Friday, December 31, 2010

what is it about sirens

that make my normally barking dogs do this:



Friday, December 24, 2010

sweet moments...

We were in the car driving to Christmas festivities with Aaron's family. We were listening to Bing Crosby Christmas, talking and planning and just enjoying these moments in between the running around and crazy-ness of the holiday festivities. Everett started babbling sweetly in the back seat and I grabbed Aaron's hand and just held it. We didn't really say anything, but I knew he was feeling exactly what I was --- that there was nothing sweeter, no where else I'd rather be, then right there in that moment with him and Everett. I could feel the urge to cry rising up in my throat, just thinking about how incredibly happy I was right then. How blessed I felt to be sharing a car and my life with these two people. I'm so thankful for moments like that: moments where my heart feels so full it might burst. Moments that I just want to freeze in time and re-live over and over. There have been so many of those sweet moments this year and I'm just so thankful for each one.

Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
(Isaiah 9:6)




From our family to yours- wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a blessed 2011!


May you know the true JOY of a relationship with Christ and the peace and comfort in walking with Him!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

all I want for christmas...


check! Everett's got two of his bottom teeth in! Thanks to Aunt Missy for the adorable bib/picture!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

sharing is caring

Everett's interesting and slightly gross first try at sharing...he made me laugh and made the dogs happy for a good 45 minutes



Friday, December 3, 2010

growing up too fast...

Everett is 9 months old today- 9 months!!! He is growing like crazy. Such a sweet, happy baby. He is curious and interested in everything. He's started to understand that even when we take something away, it's still there. He's a crawling pro. We set him on the floor and he's in the kitchen playing with the dog bowls in a few seconds. He recognizes his name when we say it. The dogs are his best buddies. He has the biggest smile and a squeals with excitement when he sees Aaron walk in the door from work. He entertains himself, but loves to be held. It is so cool to watch him grow and develop and discover new things. Everett makes being a parent pretty awesome. There are the occasional fussy evenings, but they're few and far between. We are usually looking at his sweet face and his big, toothless grin utterly content to be his mom and dad. Truly my heart is full, completely and totally. Happy 3/4 year my little love!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

TOP 5 MOST THANKFUL FOR...

5- Missy O'Malley. What a true blessing she is. I am SO thankful the Lord provided her to watch and love and care for Everett while I'm at work. She has made him part of her family and it is evident that she simply loves him. What a relief for me, for Aaron. Being a working mom is hard, but Missy makes it bearable. She sends me pictures and email updates of what's going on and what I'm missing while at work. She loves Jesus and is constantly showing that to her kids (mine included) in the way that she lives. Thank you Missy for being such an incredible friend and amazing second mama to Everett!

4- Our Providence Church Family. What an incredible blessing to be a part of the body of believers there. I am so thankful for pastors who preach the word and convict my heart, friends that love my family, invest in our lives, challenge me, speak truth when I need to hear it, and the privelage to be a involved with a group of believers that reaches out to the community of West Chester and worldwide to spread the truth and grace of Jesus Christ.

3- Andersons and Windles. We have incredible parents and siblings. Our parents have raised us up in the truth of Jesus and have encouraged us in it. They have been amazing examples to us in life, marriage, and parenting and we couldn't love them more. Our brothers and sisters are awesome. We have grown up together fighting, loving, and laughing with each other and we really wouldn't be the people we are today without them. Near or far, we love you all so very much.

2- Our little family. Life is crazy and busy, but perfect with each other. We are so in love with each other and with our darling little boy. That doesn't mean we've always got it together or don't fight or get tired of all the jobs we juggle, BUT we recognize the blessings that the Lord has given us in each other. We recognize that life wouldn't be complete without the other. And, we recognize that the Lord has blesssed us beyond measure with Everett.

1- Jesus Christ. He gives reason and purpose to my life. He has saved me from myself. He gives me peace and comfort and the swift kick of conviction when I need it. What an amazing God that I serve!


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!



*Disclaimer: there are so many more people that I could add to this list... family and friends. Know that if you're reading this today, I am grateful for you and your place in my life!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

inspired

I am completely technologically illiterate. Okay, not really, but I feel like it sometimes. Problem being, my husband knows EVERYTHING there is to know about computers... so I always just default to him. Hence, my technological illiteracy issues. So, despite my inability to to advanced things like edit my html settings (is that even the right terminology? probably not... haha), I wanted to change to look of my blog. I was inspired by my blogger pal Katie Balla. So, here's my best attempt at an upgrade. I still can't figure out how to do half the stuff I want to, but at least I'm working on that illiteracy issue ;)

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Assistance Requested

Well, after hours of scouring cards, creating cards, trying to find cards with the message we wanted, number/size/format of pictures, we've narrowed it to 2! I am feeling incredibly indecisive, so I need some help. I liked that Shutterfly allowed you to personalize them so that you could see exactly what the card looks like; however, I wish there were options for mixing and matching formats, # of pictures, etc. So here are the options:

Choice #1- This is Aaron's choice. He likes the simplicity of the message and all of the pictures. I'm not sold on it because there are so many pictures! Is it picture overload?




Choice #2- I like the wording more on this one, and like that there are 3 pictures. BUT there were pictures that I wanted to add that didn't fit correctly because they were short and fat instead of long and tall.






So, what do you think? #1. #2. Get 25 of each? Tell me what you think.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

you know i love a good deal...

so, add christmas cards to the list. a fellow blogger friend had this deal posted and i'm snatching it up! every year i use shutterfly to make our christmas cards. this year i also made a couple of photo books to commemorate everett's arrival. i love them and shutterfly, so i have no problem sending them some free advertising their way! i went through the 2.4 million possible christmas cards and finally narrowed it down to a few.


choice #1: simple and i can already picture everett's adorable face there!






choice #2:  i love the plaid and detailing. and again... everett's adorable face would look perfect on it!





choice #3: this is fun and different and gives the option of 2 pictures. 




so, opinions anyone? 1,2, or 3?


*and if you're a blogger- cash in on this shutterfly deal! Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Monday, November 1, 2010

picture perfect

My husband is a sweet man and he humors me in most of my requests. For my birthday, he promised me a family photo session. This is a big deal because 1) I have been wanting some pictures of the 3 of us and 2) Aaron would probably rather be shoveling manure than getting pictures taken... haha. So, yes, my sweet husband gave me a perfect gift. We were so lucky to have Denise DeBolt take some family pictures for us. (You may remember she took some maternity shots of us a few weeks before Everett made his arrival). I couldn't love these photos more or the two men in them!
























a girl who loves a good deal...

I can't help it. This post has been a long time coming. Seriously. It's like deals just call my name. I have more fun finding a good deal than just about anything else. As Aaron and I work toward the day that I can eventually stay at home with the kiddos, I try to find more and more ways to save us the moolah. I've found that it's definitely possible to find the things that you want at a great price. Example: I try to buy Everett organic formula (for his while I'm at work meals) and cereal as much as possible; however, sometimes it just gets pricey. BUT I have an AMAZING grocery store near me. It's called BB's, which is short for bent and broken. Basically, it's a store that purchases overstocked groceries or groceries that the packaging has been messed up in some way. And, if you're like me, I'm not really that worried about what the packaging looks like if I can get stuff for HALF off. Yeah, that's right, 50% off. There are a few things that I always look for there: dog food/treats, baby formula, diapers, toiletries, and coffee. A few tips- always check to make sure the packages aren't open and check the expiration date!  Back to my example- I really try to buy Everett organic products when I can, and today I hit the jackpot. Seriously- I was about the do the happy dance in aisle 3!



I was able to get a canister of organic earth's best formula for $7 (retails @ $45), 6 canisters of happy bellies organic cereal for $1 each (retails at $3.99 each), and 2  boxes of earth's best organic oatmeal for $1 each (retails @ $3.59). That means I spent $15 and saved... $60!!!  So there's my deals for the week. Maybe next week I'll share my favorite deals and love for goodwill. happy shopping!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

celebrating my amazing husband

I am the luckiest. You can debate me, but I think I've married the most fantastic man alive.

Life with Aaron is always eventful and full of laughter; however, this past year I've gotten to see a different side of Aaron--- as a dad. It has been amazing. He is hands on and so in love with Everett. I am thankful that Everett has such an awesome, incredible dad to look up to. If possible, I think I love Aaron even more every time I see the way he interacts with Everett, and the way Everett lights up when he sees him!

Happy birthday to my incredible husband and the best dad ever!
I love you babe ♥


Sunday, October 10, 2010

what everett's been up to...


SITTING UP ON HIS OWN... It seemed like overnight Everett started doing this. Mid to late September he started and is now a pro!

SWINGING... Everett went swinging for the first time in mid-September. He LOVED it!



PULLING HIMSELF UP TO STANDING...This is Everett's newest trick. He is pulling himself up on everything and wants to be standing all the time!


Our little man is growing up so fast!



Friday, September 3, 2010

happy 1/2 year!








Exactly 6 months ago today, Aaron and I were in the hospital looking at this tiny little person that was suddenly ours. It was scary and crazy and exciting all at once! We were unsure about how things would change, if we could figure out this whole parenting thing, and if life would ever be the same.

Well, 6 months later life is different, but in an incredible kind of way. Everett is such an amazing blessing. Who knew you could love someone so much?! He is growing up so fast! He's sweet and laid back (unless you aren't feeding him fast enough-ha!) and pretty content. He is happy to lay on his playmat and play with the dogs or to hang out in Aaron's lap when he's doing work. He rolls all over the place and often winds up partially under our living room furniture! He's started to rock on his hands and knees and seems like he's trying to figure out how to get where he wants to go. Everett loves to eat and can't get enough of his rice cereal or vegetables. Much like his mama though, the sweet stuff (pears) seem to be his favorite. Everett has doubled his birth weight and has the cutest, chubby cheeks that are overtaking his face. We are continually amazed at how fast he's growing and how lucky we are that he is such a sweet, easy going little boy.

Happy 1/2 year Everett! We couldn't love you more! ♥






Sunday, August 22, 2010

answered prayer

Tomorrow marks a week until the school year begins. I'll be honest --- I've been dreading it. Usually I am a little sad to see my lazy days of summer come to an end; however, this year I am really sad to see my maternity leave end. I have been blessed with 6 precious months at home with Everett. Days spent walking with Aunt Jules, laughing, changing dirty diapers, loving on Marley and Kai, hanging by the pool, drinking lots of coffee, cheering on dad at softball games, taking naps together, vacationing. The last 6 months have been an unbelievable blessing, perfectly perfect days spent with my sweet boy. Needless to say, I'm incredibly sad that my time at home with Everett will end next week. Despite lots of prayers and plans, I'm not able to stay at home with him. So, Aaron and I started searching for somewhere/someone to watch Everett. We looked at a number of daycares and talked to a few individual babysitters. In the end, we lined up a woman from Morgantown to watch him 4 days a week and my mother in law, Diane, once a week. The babysitter came highly recommended from a fellow teacher and so we were confident that she would do a good job watching Everett; however, neither of us was completely at peace. We continued to talk and pray about it- Aaron more diligently than I. I kept pushing the thought of Everett with someone else to the back of my mind, denying the fact that August 30th would get here whether I wanted it to or not. Aaron (unbeknownst to me) was continuing to pray that I would be able to stay at home with Everett or that if that wasn't possible that another opportunity would present itself. Thursday I called my friend Missy O'Malley. I had a dvd of hers that I needed to return. She just happened to be thinking about us and asked me what we were doing with Everett for childcare. And that was the beginning of our prayers being answered. We've been friends with the O'Malleys for years. They've got two fun little girls- Aubrey (4.5) and Leah (2.5). Missy runs children's ministry at church. They live near us in Honeybrook. They love Everett. And most importantly- they love Jesus. It was an instant relief, a weight off our shoulders knowing that my friend would watch my little boy, that he will learn about Jesus, that he will play with her sweet girls. It's funny the way the Lord works sometimes. The way his answers to prayer wouldn't always be mine, but that he has things worked out for us. How thankful I am for a praying husband, a willing friend, and a faithful god. Proverbs 16:9 - In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.



Aubrey and Leah with 2 week old Everett

Thursday, August 5, 2010

philly fanatics

For an anniversary, most people go out to dinner, somewhere romantic perhaps, maybe a weekend getaway or just some alone time are on the agenda; however, that was not us for our anniversary this year. We were sitting 9 rows back from home plate with Everett and 43,000 of our closest friends. Okay, maybe not, just Uncle Sethie and our friends Amber and Nate Todd :) You see Aaron's boss just happened to send Aaron an email on Wednesday (our anniversary was Thursday) offering him 5 diamond club tickets for the next night. It was a no brainer really. We wanted to take Everett to a game and this was the perfect opportunity. Awesome seats, a parking pass, and $30 per ticket of food or merchandise. I mean really, who wouldn't want these?! Anyway, so Thursday came and we headed down to West Chester, picked up our fellow diamond clubbers, and headed off to Citizens Bank Park. Everett was all decked out in his Phils gear (compliments of Aunt Sara Thomas) and did such a good job all night! I'm pretty sure it was just sensory overload for a while. He just sat in Aaron's arms and looked around. After ordering sodas, cheesesteaks, chicken fingers, fries, and hot dogs (and Everett having a bottle) we were all feeling pretty good. A few innings later, Amber and I were off in search of dessert. The diamond club ran out of vanilla ice cream (boo), so we trekked up a level in search of the good stuff. Apparently everyone else in the stadium was getting ice cream too, because by the time we got back to our seats Amber had melted ice cream all over her hands, legs, and feet! When we got back Everett was passed out on Aaron looking adorable. So adorable, in fact, that the camera guy came over and put him on the jumbo tron! Seriously, do you know how many sporting events I've been at in my life and Everett's first professional game ever he gets on the big screen?! haha Cotton candy, more soda, waters, and beer were ordered. We were determined to use every last dollar on all the tickets (we did)! The game went to extra innings and the Phillies ended up winning. It was a perfect end to a perfect game.

our little family :)

the view from our seats



Aaron and Everett (I love this one!)



The Todd's



ice cream mishap



There may have been ice cream inside Amber's ring...



Nate plotting how he was going to get on the jumbo tron...



what Everett was doing when he got on the jumbo tron



Uncle Seth putting Everett to sleep :)



so cute



love



hahaha

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

where has the time gone?

1 week old

3 months old

5 months old


Friday, July 30, 2010

beach baby

Everett and Dad
I think this was Everett's overall feeling about the beach...
family shot
standing in the sand
passed out with grandpop
love that face ... and those lips :)


Grammy and Everett