For all of the people whose lives were changed by the severe weather this weekend in the south, particularly in North Carolina. I don't know all of the details, but I know that the news is saying there were over 100 reported tornadoes (though I know they are still working on confirming those numbers).
My close friend from high school, Courtney, and her husband and son (who you might remember from our wedding, Logan was our ring bearer and his Daddy Evan escorted him down the aisle) who are stationed at Camp Lejeune missed being hit by just a couple of miles. Another couple from my graduating class who is also stationed there lost their home to one of these tornadoes. Their neighborhood was hit pretty hard, and I know that they had to see a lot of things they probably never imagined they would see. I just want to ask everyone to pray for them as they put their lives back together. I can't imagine the feelings they are feeling after what they've seen and experienced during the last 24 hours. My heart breaks for those who were hurt, and who had to see their families and friends injured, as well as their homes destroyed.
I'd also like to add that my brother and sister in law and Kevin's extended family in NC are all safe and sound today. We were worried about them as well until we heard the news that their areas were (narrowly) missed.
If you would like to help with relief efforts, the Red Cross is accepting donations through their website.
EDIT: I wanted to edit to add this news story that was posted. One of the men who saved the baby was my high school classmate. He is such a hero, and I am so thankful that we have men like him fighting for our country, and here in the US for when events like this occur! I'm not sure if you will ever see this, but THANK YOU GREG for all that you do!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Happy Weekend!
We did it! We survived another week! I am so happy that it is finally Saturday morning. Today I will be giving Kevin his "big" birthday gift. I'll be back with lots more to say about it tomorrow or Monday!
For now, here is a cute photo of KA to hold you over until my next post...
For now, here is a cute photo of KA to hold you over until my next post...
look at those gorgeous lashes!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Exhausted...
Is the best word to describe how I'm feeling this morning. Of course, I've yet to have my daily cup of coffee, but I am so relieved that it is FINALLY FRIDAY! (Included in this post are random pictures of Kerriann stacking blocks last night)
Yesterday was so busy. Kerriann and I went to My Gym first thing in the morning, and then did some shopping related errands in Bel Air. After that, we came back for Kerriann's nap (I finally finished the third Twilight book...don't make fun of me), and when she woke up we met a mom from My Gym, who also happens to live in our neighborhood, at our playground. She has a son a couple of months older than Kerriann and we are both anxious to meet friends.
We chatted at the park and watched the kids play until the older kids showed up after school. We then decided to go for a walk on one of the trails in Bulle Rock. I'd never walked this particular trail, but I thought it was a good opportunity to scope it out while I had a walking buddy. WOW was it a workout. First of all, I expected most of the "trail" to be a paved flat walkway and it was NOT. It was mostly unpaved and mostly uphill. It was 70 degrees and sunny and I was wearing black pants and a black sweatshirt (thinking I'd be fine just standing around at the park, not expecting an extreme workout). Did I mention I had eaten an early lunch and it was around 4pm when we started the walk? We didn't get back to our condo until 6PM!!! I was so exhausted by then that I had a peanut butter sandwich and Mac 'N Cheese for dinner-yuck! Luckily Kerriann didn't mind the dinner menu! Kevin had to fly nights so he didn't get home until around 10:30pm making for an even longer day than usual.
So today I'm just recovering from a busy day, while gearing up for a busy weekend! Tomorrow the in-laws and brother in law are coming in for the night, and I am giving Kevin his birthday present. His actual birthday is Monday, so I'm sure we'll find something fun to do Sunday and Monday to keep the celebrations going!
Hope everyone else has a wonderful weekend with their friends and families!
Yesterday was so busy. Kerriann and I went to My Gym first thing in the morning, and then did some shopping related errands in Bel Air. After that, we came back for Kerriann's nap (I finally finished the third Twilight book...don't make fun of me), and when she woke up we met a mom from My Gym, who also happens to live in our neighborhood, at our playground. She has a son a couple of months older than Kerriann and we are both anxious to meet friends.
We chatted at the park and watched the kids play until the older kids showed up after school. We then decided to go for a walk on one of the trails in Bulle Rock. I'd never walked this particular trail, but I thought it was a good opportunity to scope it out while I had a walking buddy. WOW was it a workout. First of all, I expected most of the "trail" to be a paved flat walkway and it was NOT. It was mostly unpaved and mostly uphill. It was 70 degrees and sunny and I was wearing black pants and a black sweatshirt (thinking I'd be fine just standing around at the park, not expecting an extreme workout). Did I mention I had eaten an early lunch and it was around 4pm when we started the walk? We didn't get back to our condo until 6PM!!! I was so exhausted by then that I had a peanut butter sandwich and Mac 'N Cheese for dinner-yuck! Luckily Kerriann didn't mind the dinner menu! Kevin had to fly nights so he didn't get home until around 10:30pm making for an even longer day than usual.
So today I'm just recovering from a busy day, while gearing up for a busy weekend! Tomorrow the in-laws and brother in law are coming in for the night, and I am giving Kevin his birthday present. His actual birthday is Monday, so I'm sure we'll find something fun to do Sunday and Monday to keep the celebrations going!
Hope everyone else has a wonderful weekend with their friends and families!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Annapolis in Photos-Part 2
Strolling through the streets of the Naval Academy
Walking through the ice rink
And crawling at times...
Lunch outside in Annapolis
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Annapolis in Photos-Part 1
Since Kevin works four very long days each week, he gets Mondays off (for the most part). We were so happy that he had yesterday off because the weather was predicted to be gorgeous. As I mentioned a few posts back, we've been wanting to visit Annapolis for awhile, so we thought yesterday was the perfect day to do it. It was great going on a week day because although there were some other tourists, the place wasn't over crowded and we were really able to enjoy our trip. It was only a little over an hour drive without traffic, which is close for our standards!
We walked through the streets of the historic section of town and then took a stroll along the water. Everything was so beautiful. It was almost 80 degrees and sunny-our first hot day.
Kerriann loved watching and feeding the ducks her Fruity Cheerios.
She also loved checking out the bears and lights in this Christmas shop.
We also wanted to walk through part of the Naval Academy that Annapolis is known for. The entrance was filled with daffodils. It was so pretty. Kevin tried to teach Kerriann how to smell them.
But she was more interested in running around, as usual!
Church and the Park
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but we haven't been to mass since we moved here in February. Every week we have intentions of going, but then we're out of town, we have company, we're sick, etc. On Sunday, we were feeling a little under the weather, but we were here and had no company, so we decided to give it a shot.
We had no clue how Kerriann would do, but she ended up doing great. We were so proud! We were late so we ended up being seated in the very first row, beside the cantor. That made us a little nervous... but Kerriann entertained herself by sitting on the kneeler and looking through books. She loved the singing and clapped when each song finished. We went to St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Havre de Grace, and the priest was very nice and welcoming. We might try going to mass at the chapel on base, but this church is closer so hopefully it will work out for us while we are living here.
Here's a picture of Kerriann after church. I really wanted to get a good one of her dressed up to show my mom because this dress was a gift from her, but all she was interested in was taking a "horsey ride" on her wiggle skate car.
After Kerriann's nap (actually, she didn't nap, so it was just quiet time) we decided to take her to the park down the street and for a walk on the trail. It was around 60 degrees and perfect weather for getting outside.
We stayed until Kevin and I were both tired of going through the tunnel and down the slide with her, because she's still too small to do it alone. Kevin sent her down the slide alone once and by the time she got to the bottom (where I was waiting, luckily) she was upside down! It didn't phase her, but it really scared me so we won't be trying that again for awhile.
We had no clue how Kerriann would do, but she ended up doing great. We were so proud! We were late so we ended up being seated in the very first row, beside the cantor. That made us a little nervous... but Kerriann entertained herself by sitting on the kneeler and looking through books. She loved the singing and clapped when each song finished. We went to St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Havre de Grace, and the priest was very nice and welcoming. We might try going to mass at the chapel on base, but this church is closer so hopefully it will work out for us while we are living here.
Here's a picture of Kerriann after church. I really wanted to get a good one of her dressed up to show my mom because this dress was a gift from her, but all she was interested in was taking a "horsey ride" on her wiggle skate car.
We stayed until Kevin and I were both tired of going through the tunnel and down the slide with her, because she's still too small to do it alone. Kevin sent her down the slide alone once and by the time she got to the bottom (where I was waiting, luckily) she was upside down! It didn't phase her, but it really scared me so we won't be trying that again for awhile.
Beside the park there are some ruins of an old building that I love to take photos of. We haven't figured out what this building used to be yet, so I'll have to do some research and get back to you!
The flower bushes and trees around the park are also in full bloom right now! Check out the little red lady bug on this one...
PS you'll notice that I've decided to start watermarking my photos (the little words in the bottom right hand corner). I'm doing this because I've heard of blogger's photos (of their kids!) being stolen and used by crazies on their own blogs, claiming that these are their children, when in reality the photos are stolen from others. I'll probably change the watermark when I have more time to make it a little prettier, but for now this one will do the job! Apparently if you are using a watermark and your photos are stolen, you can take legal action. I doubt anyone will ever try to use our photos, but I think it's better to be safe than sorry.
Monday, April 11, 2011
I Heart Faces-Shadows
I'm entering this photo into the I Heart Faces photo challenge for this week. The theme is shadows, and I thought this shot I took of Kerriann looking at the murals in Florida was perfect.
Visit the I Heart Faces Blog for more shadow photos!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday Shopping
This has probably been the most uneventful weekend we've had in awhile! We have really just been laying low and trying to work on a few small projects around the house.
Yesterday was pretty dreary, so we spent the first half of the day in Bel Air and White Marsh doing some shopping. I was in desperate need of new running shoes (like honestly, haven't bought new ones since middle or high school, as embarrassed as I am to admit that) so I used a store credit at Charm City Running. I ended up with these bad boys:
It was hard for me to choose the color, but I ended up going with the pink and black version, rather than black and blue or gray and blue. Those colors just aren't my style, although I'm worried the ones I picked are a little flashy. I don't know what it is, but I just hate the look of tennis shoes and the feeling of wearing closed shoes, and that's part of why I have put off this purchase for so long. My feet like to feel free! But I decided I just had to go in and pick something so I picked the lightest and most form fitting minimalist running shoe that they carried in a narrow. That's another reason why I hate shoe shopping-I always have to limit myself to shoes that run narrow!
After I finally had my running shoes, we set off for White Marsh to cross a few more items off our to-do list. Kerriann really needed a few more outfits, and I also needed a pair of spring shoes. We found the cutest outfits for Kerriann, and I found the cutest shoes at Aldo:
I had the hardest time picking, because unlike tennis shoes, I love ALL of the shoes in Aldo. I would much rather buy cute flats than tennis shoes any day!
The last item of business we had was stopping by Ritz Camera to see what the deal is with the dust and dirt that has been showing up on my photos lately. After the nice salesman inspected my camera, I was given some bad news. In order to get rid of the dust and dirt, I'll have to send my camera off to be cleaned professionally which could take 2-3 WEEKS! How am I ever going to survive without my precious baby for so long? Of course we still have our trusty Canon G9 to hold me over, but it just won't be the same. Sigh. I'm at least waiting until after Easter to send her away!
We spent the remainder of the evening hanging out at home. Kevin and I were both pretty bored at times, though Kerriann seemed really entertained by her toys. We both wish we had friends here... we need to work on that!
Hope everyone else had a great Saturday with their families!
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Yesterday was pretty dreary, so we spent the first half of the day in Bel Air and White Marsh doing some shopping. I was in desperate need of new running shoes (like honestly, haven't bought new ones since middle or high school, as embarrassed as I am to admit that) so I used a store credit at Charm City Running. I ended up with these bad boys:
It was hard for me to choose the color, but I ended up going with the pink and black version, rather than black and blue or gray and blue. Those colors just aren't my style, although I'm worried the ones I picked are a little flashy. I don't know what it is, but I just hate the look of tennis shoes and the feeling of wearing closed shoes, and that's part of why I have put off this purchase for so long. My feet like to feel free! But I decided I just had to go in and pick something so I picked the lightest and most form fitting minimalist running shoe that they carried in a narrow. That's another reason why I hate shoe shopping-I always have to limit myself to shoes that run narrow!
After I finally had my running shoes, we set off for White Marsh to cross a few more items off our to-do list. Kerriann really needed a few more outfits, and I also needed a pair of spring shoes. We found the cutest outfits for Kerriann, and I found the cutest shoes at Aldo:
I had the hardest time picking, because unlike tennis shoes, I love ALL of the shoes in Aldo. I would much rather buy cute flats than tennis shoes any day!
The last item of business we had was stopping by Ritz Camera to see what the deal is with the dust and dirt that has been showing up on my photos lately. After the nice salesman inspected my camera, I was given some bad news. In order to get rid of the dust and dirt, I'll have to send my camera off to be cleaned professionally which could take 2-3 WEEKS! How am I ever going to survive without my precious baby for so long? Of course we still have our trusty Canon G9 to hold me over, but it just won't be the same. Sigh. I'm at least waiting until after Easter to send her away!
We spent the remainder of the evening hanging out at home. Kevin and I were both pretty bored at times, though Kerriann seemed really entertained by her toys. We both wish we had friends here... we need to work on that!
Hope everyone else had a great Saturday with their families!
Friday, April 8, 2011
I Spoke Too Soon
My poor baby girl woke up with a cough and symptoms of what looks like ANOTHER cold. We just cannot win! I'm both sad and mad. Sad because I hate to see her suffer, and mad because I'm pretty sure this is the second time that she's caught something at the library's story time. We have only been twice now, and both times we've been sick within a couple of days of going. I'm not going to be taking her back for awhile. Just not worth the risk until it's warmer and there aren't so many illnesses going around.
Here's a picture I took of her last week after a middle of the day bath (hence the wet hair)... I can't remember what she was doing... I think it was right after she was saying "take it off" in regards to the hair bow she was wearing... but I think she looks like such a little doll in it. Hopefully this cold will be a quick one and she'll be back to her normal self again in no time.
Here's a picture I took of her last week after a middle of the day bath (hence the wet hair)... I can't remember what she was doing... I think it was right after she was saying "take it off" in regards to the hair bow she was wearing... but I think she looks like such a little doll in it. Hopefully this cold will be a quick one and she'll be back to her normal self again in no time.
Happy Friday Everyone!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Today I woke up feeling pretty good for the first time in two weeks. I can breathe through my nose (and I've only had to blow it a couple of times), no spells of dizzy-ness and nausea (as of 1pm), and I was able to feed Kerriann a good breakfast and lunch and take her to a make-up session at My Gym in between. We even saw one of our friends and her son that also live in Bulle Rock which was nice. We were able to exchange information so hopefully we'll be setting up play dates soon!
I'm going to attribute how good I'm feeling to the chiropractor appointment I had last night. Man, did it ever help! I was a little nervous because my dad is a chiropractor and I'm used to his style. This was my first time seeing someone else, but it went well and I'm glad I now have this guy on backup for emergencies. He even gave me a discount which was great since our insurance doesn't cover it. I guess chiropractors take care of each other's families. :)
I'm especially excited that I'm feeling better because it looks like the weather is going to be gorgeous this weekend. 60's on Saturday and 75 on Sunday! I'm going to take some time today to find a new place in Maryland that we can explore. Anyone have any ideas? I'm thinking Annapolis, but I'm always up for suggestions!
By the way... I'm already calling that Kerriann is going to be quite the ballerina in a couple of years! She always has her legs crossed or in some pretty little pose. Here she is zoning out to Mickey Mouse, but look at those feet! How cute! She also does this sitting in her booster chair during meals.
OH, OH, OH! And how could I forget to mention this... we got back around 400 of our wedding proofs yesterday. These photos are just from after the ceremony through the end of the reception and Halloween party, but hopefully we will have the rest of them back within the week! We're also still waiting on our proofs from our second photographer, but we have no clue how long those will take. If you'd like to see our online proof gallery, let me know!
I'm going to attribute how good I'm feeling to the chiropractor appointment I had last night. Man, did it ever help! I was a little nervous because my dad is a chiropractor and I'm used to his style. This was my first time seeing someone else, but it went well and I'm glad I now have this guy on backup for emergencies. He even gave me a discount which was great since our insurance doesn't cover it. I guess chiropractors take care of each other's families. :)
I'm especially excited that I'm feeling better because it looks like the weather is going to be gorgeous this weekend. 60's on Saturday and 75 on Sunday! I'm going to take some time today to find a new place in Maryland that we can explore. Anyone have any ideas? I'm thinking Annapolis, but I'm always up for suggestions!
By the way... I'm already calling that Kerriann is going to be quite the ballerina in a couple of years! She always has her legs crossed or in some pretty little pose. Here she is zoning out to Mickey Mouse, but look at those feet! How cute! She also does this sitting in her booster chair during meals.
OH, OH, OH! And how could I forget to mention this... we got back around 400 of our wedding proofs yesterday. These photos are just from after the ceremony through the end of the reception and Halloween party, but hopefully we will have the rest of them back within the week! We're also still waiting on our proofs from our second photographer, but we have no clue how long those will take. If you'd like to see our online proof gallery, let me know!
DC Cherry Blossom Festival 2011
On Sunday, Kevin and I went to DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Aunt Julie and cousin Meggie volunteered to keep Kerriann at their house (although we were originally planning to take her along!) while we did some exploring. It's probably a good thing Kerriann wasn't tagging along, because we were stuck in traffic for at least an hour driving in...
then we had a long bus ride from our parking space to the Tidal Basin, followed by at least another hour waiting in line for lunch (aka snacks that were pretty gross)...
and then a .5 mile+ walk back to our car to avoid sitting in traffic again on the bus...
We actually had a great time, despite those slight setbacks. The cherry blossoms were GORGEOUS, although I wish there had been more pink flowers. The pink trees were few and far between.
The place was packed since it was the weekend and a decent day weather-wise (I was warm enough in long sleeves and a vest), but we were still able to enjoy the sights. I didn't take nearly as many photos as I imagined I would, and barely used any camera battery... crazy! I'm used to freezing days where the battery is sucked from my camera immediately.
Plus there were so many people everywhere that it was almost impossible to get really great shots. A few people were there with professional photographers for engagement pictures, and I'm curious how those turned out with a million other people in the background with their cameras out as well.
I was completely beat by the end of the day, and in reality I probably wasn't ready for such a physically strenuous day out, but I'm glad that I toughed it out because I've been wanting to check out the Cherry Blossom Festival for years now and I can finally cross it off my bucket list!
then we had a long bus ride from our parking space to the Tidal Basin, followed by at least another hour waiting in line for lunch (aka snacks that were pretty gross)...
and then a .5 mile+ walk back to our car to avoid sitting in traffic again on the bus...
The place was packed since it was the weekend and a decent day weather-wise (I was warm enough in long sleeves and a vest), but we were still able to enjoy the sights. I didn't take nearly as many photos as I imagined I would, and barely used any camera battery... crazy! I'm used to freezing days where the battery is sucked from my camera immediately.
Plus there were so many people everywhere that it was almost impossible to get really great shots. A few people were there with professional photographers for engagement pictures, and I'm curious how those turned out with a million other people in the background with their cameras out as well.
I like Kevin's stance in the back of this one... hehe...
I was completely beat by the end of the day, and in reality I probably wasn't ready for such a physically strenuous day out, but I'm glad that I toughed it out because I've been wanting to check out the Cherry Blossom Festival for years now and I can finally cross it off my bucket list!
Pretty decent for a dSLR selfie, huh?
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