Daddy's Favorite Little Helper

Christian absolutely adores his "Dah-dy." When Steve comes home from work, it is all about him. C loves playing, following, and "helping" Daddy in his own special way. I love seeing the bond that the two have formed in the past couple of months since Steve's return. Here is Christian helping Daddy change the water filter on the refrigerator. My favorite part was how they were both giggling the whole time. I *heart* my boys!

Home Projects: Outdoor Sitting Area

In the backyard between the house, concrete patio, pond, and brick wall was this very nondescript area of the yard, mostly taken over by weeds and a few random plants.

Before:I wish I could take more credit, but Steve spent a couple of Saturdays turning the area into a beautiful sitting retreat that overlooks the pond and can be seen from our bedroom window. He planted fragrant gardenia and jasmine, which we hope will fill the space with an inviting aroma.

This past Saturday we placed the stone pavers and brick edging (digging a hole for each) and spread the pine straw (big here in the South.) We are thinking about still planting some ground cover between the pavers, but for now, here in the finished product. I think it turned out beautiful. Do you like it?

After:

Mother's Day 2011

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mommies! I am so blessed to know you and am grateful for all the lovely women in my life.

My Mother's Day was nice and relaxing. Breakfast at IHOP, church, an afternoon nap, and a fun BBQ at a friend's house. Such a sweet, simple day shared with the ones I love.

Christian was not about posing for pictures. Can you tell?
P.S. Christian had quite the week of bumps, bruises, and boo boos. Steve was TDY half the week and I had the privilege of reporting the day's accident each night. The scratches on his nose were from a tumble in the driveway. All boy!

Relaxing

Our favorite pastime as of late is sitting and enjoying the pleasant sights and sounds on the sun porch in the backyard. The sound of the pond's waterfall, birds chirping and sometimes a cool breeze in the trees is such bliss! The weather here has been beautiful lately. Warm but not too hot, and the humidity hasn't arrived in full force thankfully. Below are pictures of Christian (almost nude) enjoying his chair and actually allowing me to take some pictures of him.

Welcome Eli!

My best friend Emily just delivered her first baby this morning. Welcome to the world Eli Arthur! Sounds like Em's labor and delivery went quickly and without complications. I could not be more excited for them and the joy of this new little one! What a blessing! Isn't he sweet?

Strawberry Picking

Yesterday we went strawberry picking at Stafford Farm, a close 15 minute drive from our house. Evalee was a good helper and helped her Mommy (Ashley) pick the strawberries and put them in the bucket; Christian "helped" by picking the strawberries and eating them. You can imagine what his clothes looks like after eating a handful of extra ripe, sun-warmed, juicy strawberries. :o) The kids had a great time, and now we each have a large bucket of strawberries to show for it. These farm fresh strawberries are so sweet and nearly melt in your mouth, it will be hard to go back to the store bought variety. The plan is to make strawberry jam next week, and maybe some bread or strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream. Yum!Our strawberry shortcakes (on the ride home after a visit to the park too.)

Easter Weekend

A few pictures from our Easter weekend:

Christian and his new lawnmower from Nana and Papa (it was too cold and wet Saturday morning to bring it outside, but I think Christian enjoyed mowing the floors in the house- or maybe he thought it was a vacuum cleaner?)Easter Sunday with Mama. It got up to 86 degrees! And yes, humid too.After church, brunch at the O Club on base, and a nap, C went hunting for Easter eggs in the backyard. They were filled with fruit snacks which he loved!Last but not least, a BIG congratulations to Steve's brother, Will and his engagement to Brittany this past weekend! They are planning to tie the knot August 2012!