CAKE!!!!

Our sweet friend, Mrs. Jessica, had a birthday yesterday! Soooo... it was an excuse to make a cake ;).

Here is her chocolate mocha almond cake with dark chocolate covered espresso beans, chocolate curls and toasted ground almonds...

SWEET!

I met Mrs. Jessica at the new spouses orientation at the Air Force base when we moved here to the Midwest.

She and her husband have become dear friends to us!

Happy Birthday to the beautiful and very talented, Mrs. Jessica!!!!

Before you leave...

I will continue to snap pictures with my eyes and store them in my memory until you come home.

I will cherish every second of every day with you.

The little "things" won't matter.

I will hold your hand more often.

I will remember to do this when you get back. Because, we easily forget to do them until someone has to leave.

Boomer goes "BOOM!"

Where would be a great place to begin this saga?????????
First, news of the Mr.'s deployment...
Then, a visit to the neurosurgeon to hear that cervical fusion is in order...
And now... an excited little boy went to run up the stairs for bedtime stories and slipped on the THIRD step and hit the hardwood landing just right... and broke his collarbone!!!
I'm not sure if this is bad luck or a sign for us to slow it down for a while.
Slowing down is going to be my goal for the next couple of weeks... believe it or not... school clothes have been purchased, supplies are ready, ballet supplies are ready... so now it is "slow it down" time!
Let's hope I can keep my promise to myself!

Coupon Codes as Promised!

Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Here is what I had listed on my FB page yesterday!

Redbook magazine (the edition with Mariska Hartigay) on the front has an orange pullout coupon inside for 20% off your entire purchase for Gymboree. It is good until August 30th

www.crazy8.com (an affiliate of Gymboree) is offering $10 off a $30 or more purchase. Use the code: welcome2c8
(at the checkout online)

The Martha Stewart magazine that just hit the stands has a coupon inside for 15% off at Children's Place

If you are ever looking for coupon codes, try www.clevermoms.com
I believe that www.mypoints.com has new coupon code searches, too.

Happy shopping!!!!

Snappin', Snappin', Snappin'... cause I love the scenery

(photos by Hilary Rondeau photography)

Faust Park... if you are EVER in the St. Louis area... you need to check out "The Butterfly House."

I'm in love with this place.

We went a few weeks ago and can't get our minds off of it.

BEAUTIFUL! A photographers dream of relaxing and snapping!

I just know we are headed back here over vacation...

You are surrounded by butterflies inside the house.

Outside, there are beautiful butterfly gardens.

And... Faust Park is gorgeous!

We had to detour around St. Louis due to construction and we were able to drive through some of the historic district... it just made me love St. Louis even more.

Backyard Fun!

Our backyard is the source of many hours of fun! Since we had our fence installed, it has been much more relaxing!

Goosie and Boomer love playing ball, blowing bubbles, and running around chasing bugs.

I will start working on crafts and hairbows again this week...

but, for now... it's us... having fun and enjoying the fact that the Mr. is here with us for the Summer!

Independence and the Mr.

Today is the 4th of July... you know that right? But... really, it's Independence Day. For us, it is another day that the Mr. is home so we can savor more time with him.

There is applesauce cooking on the stove. A delicious smell fills our air conditioned home right now. Goosie and Boomer are upstairs playing in Goosie's bedroom and there is a boom of thunder. I just heard two sets of little feet run for the Mr.

Soon...

There will be no running towards the Mr.

He will be supporting those fighting for the freedom of others... Independence from insurgents and militants that have destroyed their lives.

I will be the one they run to when the thunder roars. I will be alone in my battle of the boo boos...

Thank you for all your dedication, Mr. We love you... to the sun and the moon and back.

Soaking up the Summer!

The evenings have been so beautiful! We have been outside blowing bubbles, meeting neighbors, and playing!

We are soaking up every minute with the MR. at this point!

I have been working on bows but my priority at this time is making my children feel as loved as possible. I am smothering them with hugs and kisses any chance I get!

a definition:

Deployment: a word that makes your five year old proclaim that her "heart is breaking at this very moment."