Monday, February 23, 2009

Batter Up Jellybeans!!!

We are truly blessed to have some great neighbors in Jax. As we approach getting our next orders, I can't help but think of how I'll measure up our next home, neighbors, and location. There is something awesome to be said for living in our little cul-de-sac - the kids play freely outside at least a few times a week and the kiddos have found some great friends. Which finally leads me to the POINT OF THIS POST!!! A few neighborhood moms and I decided to start a T-Ball team for the kids. We had our first practice today and the kids voted on the team name The Jellybeans - too cute!!! It was so great watching my little girl this afternoon! She has passion, determination, and most of all a fun spirit. This was definitely one of those moments that my competitive side came out. I couldn't help but cheer and give my girl some pointers. It sounded a bit like this, "GO GO GO....Kennedy this way this way.... your awesome...keep running....GO GO GO!!!" It was quite hilarious playing this all back in my mind. Landon was a trooper through it all - he found fun in the dirt and chassing all the balls around. Before I know it, he'll be battering up!    

Like this mom?
 
GO Jellybeans!

Friday, February 20, 2009

A Playhouse Fit for a King and Queen

We had a HUGE surprise waiting for us at our front door last week. It was a Granny Smith invention that had her two little grandchildren in mind. After some careful planning and MUCHO research, Granny Smith put together a beautiful playhouse that doubles as a puppet theatre. I've always admired Lauren's creativity and handy hand - she goes above and beyond any expectations. 

While in St. Louis, Landon had fun helping Granny saw the PVC pipe for the playhouse
(In all honesty, I thought he wouldn't be into this sorta thing - I was proved wrong! Boys flock to this stuff!)

I got it Granny!!!

OK, so this picture proves the theory of boys vs. girls - posing with the PVC pipe???!!!

Determined


DRUM ROLL PLEASE....

After careful assembling, we discovered a playhouse fit for a king and queen!


Dear Granny - We can't thank you enough for our beautiful playhouse. The details are so amazing! We love our names on the side and the chalkboard is one of a kind. You are so special and so loving - your creation will be passed down from generation to generation!

LOVE YOU!!!
MISS K & MR LANDON 

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Thanks Beth!!!

Meet my friend Beth

SHE IS:
kind
funny
fun
classy 
beautiful
and 
SUPER TALENTED!

Beth is someone who I was only able to hang out with in Jax for a short time but I knew that she would continue to be a life long friend. She is an awesome mother, wife, and friend to so many and I'm so blessed to continue to have her in my life despite the many miles that separate us. 

Beth - Thanks for making this spectacular blog design. You get me so well and I loved the surprise!!!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

The Cutest Valentines I Ever Did See

although my sweetest valentine was missing this year, I spotted the cutest valentines I ever did see! 

Miss K dressed for her V-day party at school (the tutu was an addition for the letter of the week "T" - she felt super special)

 Our valentines were from the heart this year - Miss K helped sign her name on every last one!

Feel the LOVE

Mom's sweetie

One

Two

Three Kisses!!!

Our Valentine Tree

Hmmm....I think I like this mom of mine!

HAPPY VALENTINES to all!!!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You...

He loves me...He loves me not...HE LOVES ME!

I LOVE my hubby! He's everything I dreamed of and more. He cares for me. He loves me. He's by my side through it all. Going through this deployment has been HARD - at times I feel drained, challenged, and tired. But there is one guy that has always had his girl in mind. From hidden love notes throughout the house to random "I love you" emails, Jared has made me feel wanted and most of all cherished. Today was another day that smiles and butterflies filled my day. He picked out the most beautiful dresses for Miss K and me and sent an amazing bouquet of flowers (our wedding flowers to be exact). He gets me...He knows what makes me tick and what makes me feel oh so loved! Thank you for warming my heart babe!

I LOVE YOU




My beautiful Calla's

My Dress!

and Miss K's dress!

Thanks for making us feel so special daddy!
How sweet it is to be loved by you!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Chicken Soup For the Raftery's Soul


I'll always remember the comfort of my mothers chicken soup. It seems like yesterday that my mom was nursing me back to health with a good dose of her famous soup. In all honesty, it wasn't one of my favorites but it ALWAYS made me feel like a new kid. Well the time has come that I'm making the same soup my mom made over 20 years ago. It simple, delicious, and oh so soothing! My kiddos and I have been feeling a bit under the weather and I knew just what was in order...a batch of Nana's Chicken Soup. I hope you find the same love and warmth of this recipe as I have. 

love you mom!


Friday, February 6, 2009

New Do's

This just in...My kiddos were in need of a desperate haircut!
There lovely locks were screaming Cut Me! Cut Me!

It was a fun experience and our stylist Jessica definitely deserved the Patience Reward

Cheese

Thanks for getting rid of my mullet mom!

Ya like?

Ok mom...I think the photo shoot is done!

This is a classic moment of the two!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Clownin' Around!

Our weekend's are usually a time that we are in search of "things-to-do"! When Jared is away, I have to keep our days filled - outings, playdates, etc. etc. This Saturday, I surprised Miss K and Landon with a trip to see Cotton Candy the Clown who specializes in face painting. She was making an appearance at our local library and I KNEW the kids would go bonkers. Cotton Candy is as sweet as her name! When we arrived, her schedule was packed full and she wasn't taking any other kiddos. My heart felt awful for Miss K.! Landon may not know the difference yet but I couldn't let my little girl down. Well lets just say I was DETERMINED! We waited in line like a pack of sneaky stalkers. The parents kept on telling us that she had to leave by four and their children were the last ones. Nope...I wasn't going to let that stop me. NO WAY JOSE! My girl was getting her face painted like the pretty flower she requested. As we stood to "watch" the others, I gave Cotton Candy a little look (a pretty pitiful look I might add) and she nodded YES. Yes to Miss K getting her beautiful flower face painting. I was SO excited!!!

Miss K on her way

This one's for you Daddy (this is Jared's favorite Landon face)

Getting the star treatment

Voila! The finished product!

When we got home popping bubbles was in order

My Proud Little Girl
After a long fun-filled day the kids were in need of a good scrub

Miss K was a little apprehensive of washing her face but after some clever stories she was good to go!

YOUR THE BEST COTTON CANDY!
you made our day oh so sweet