Sadness in fall.

I haven't updated the blog in a long time and I promised myself I'd change that. So, here goes.

I'm so happy fall is here.  It's amazing. Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places you could be this time of year. But, there's a sadness in our house at the moment. My loving mother-in-law, Libby, lost her battle with heart disease a little over two weeks ago at the age of 59. She was in the ICU awaiting a life saving operation which she sadly didn't live long enough to receive. She was truly one of the nicest people you would ever meet.  The kids called her Mamaw and when she would visit you could find her on the floor - playing Barbies or trucks, reading books, coloring, singing them songs.  She was tender and sweet and the kind of Grandma that a kid could just snuggle up to and enjoy. Her lap was always a safe and warm place to land.  It's left a void in our lives and we are especially sad for Papaw Jerry, who married his high school sweetheart almost forty years ago.

I don't have many recent pictures because on their last visit I didn't get out my camera. I'm mad at myself about that. I cannot express the importance of taking pictures. Sometimes they are all that you're left with (visually, anyway).

But, I do have a few to share. This was one of the best little trips we've ever taken - we went to the Smoky Mountains in stayed in a beautiful cabin. Here's Mamaw, loving her babies as she called them.

Easter and a trip home.

The kids and I took a trip home last week while Joe stayed home and went to work. My mom and Jim have a beautiful piece of property they call home, situated deep in the Southern Illinois countryside. It's a kids dream, especially little boys. We had the absolute best time playing outside with the cats, dogs and horses. The kids did an easter egg hunt and played with bubbles, chasing each other all over the farm. Little Parker was covered in dirt within the first five minutes. He is a natural animal lover like his Grandpa Dave. I wonder what my dad would have thought of him. I think they'd have been best buds.

Anyway, this was a great visit and my kids couldn't have had a better time. I got to see my family, my Grandma, Grandpa, Rhonda, Kingston, Sara, Mel and of course Mom and Jim. I love them all, dearly and am so thankful for all of them.

sandbox.

We got the kids a sandbox on Saturday. Neither of them has ever played in sand. Parker dumped it on his head. He ate some. No really, he swallowed a big mouthful! He won't get in, he doesn't like his feet in the sand, but he loves playing with it. They played for two solid hours today.

Note the sand goatee :)

My heart

This boy has my heart. When I found out I was pregnant the second time I thought I wanted a little girl so that Kalli could have a sister. I always dreamed of having a sister growing up, so I naturally thought that is what I wanted for my (then) only child.

But then I found out I was having a boy and I was instantly excited. And then he came. And I didn't know I could love another child as much as my first....but I do. I cannot imagine life without this climbing, jumping, running, descructing, loving, hugging, funny little boy. He has my heart and I feel so thankful. Just look at his curls and big brown eyes. I love him so <3

Little girl dreams.

I remember a time when I had no worries, no cares....I think back to those times and fondly remember my dad chasing me in the yard with the hose, bike rides with the family, swimming at the beach, taking trips to Grandma's. My parents always traveled a lot and I got to do so many fun things growing up.

I wonder what my little girl will be. I wonder what her dreams are. I asked her the other day what she wanted to be when she grew up and she said "I want to be....like you!" My heart melted a little. I want all her dreams to come true. My beautiful, sweet little girl. I am a lucky mama.

sunshine.

Ah, this weather. It's good for the soul. My kids have both had nasty colds and are finally on the mend. They have been dying to get outside and play, so today we bought a bunch of beans, shovels, buckets and bubbles. They had the best time. Parker enjoyed making a mess more than anything...but I wasn't surprised :) I'm looking forward to getting out the kiddie pool and enjoying the beautiful days ahead. Parker is napping now and I am enjoying the peace and quiet!

What. A. Feast.

The aftermath!

I love crab legs. I could eat them every day! But of course my check book would not like that. Kalli LOVES them. She gobbles them up like candy. So on Sunday, after a bit of house cleaning, shopping and running around in this beautiful weather, we decided to run to Fresh Market and pick up some seafood. Oh my! We walked out with two filets of Grouper, a handful of cocktail shrimp and three giant crab claws!

We cooked the crab outside because they are stinky, grilled up our fish and baked some potatoes. Then we dug in! It was like a feeding frenzy. So. Darn. Good.

Loving this warm weather and being able to fire up the grill. Bring on summer! :D