finishing up

There is nothing like company to help you get a few last minute projects finished up. We have our bedroom close to done now. We have one wall (where the TV is) that still needs attention, but I'm waiting until I get the right find to finish it up. I went for a coastal feel (since we are on the coast). A few more souvenirs from the beach will really add to it.



I finally committed to something for Rhone's room too. I just didn't feel inspired by anything I was finding. I settled on a more masculine (instead of little boy) feel, based on these prints by Norman Rockwell. There is an english setter (like Ace) in each print.

Images from http://www.artst.org/

Of course we couldn't have gotten everything done without Rhone's help :) He uses tools and cleans too- lucky me!


Now we're off to spend time with our family. Hope you have a great week!

and then he came home

After a month on the road Ben is back. We are glad to have him. We celebrated Valentines (sort of) when he got back. He got me a wii fit and I got him this fire piston (wanna know what that is? click here). I also whipped up a mini trifle-ish dessert to use up the rest of the pudding from finger painting. It was yummy.

We took a trip to the beach, where Rhone ran around and played until we were freezing. We also took a trip to Philly to meet Cole and David for lunch at Jones and hit a few historical sites. We loved meeting David and had a great visit with them.

Valentine's Delight Snow at the beach. It was snowing while we were there too.
Rhone is going to love the beach this summer! The Liberty Bell

Sometimes you just take what you get when it comes to pictures.

we create

When Ben was gone and we were snowed in, we filled our time creating. We mostly made messes and some memories too. Here are some pictures of us creating.

Cutting out sugar cookies. Thanks for the cutters Gabi!


Fresh baked bread.

Decorating valentine cupcakes. Rhone preferred to eat. Our friends came over to help us. We loved having them!

Damon showing off some of his master pieces, but he's distracted by Rhone's little had trying to sneak one.

Pudding finger paints. Easy to make and tasty too.

Bonus picture: Checkout the shelves at the local walmart between snow storms. See why we made homemade bread.

Even though you are far away,

we still love our family and friends very much. Happy Valentines Day!

We wish you lived close enough to share our made-with-love treats.

We love and miss you- especially Ben!

somedays..

...the little things are the only things that keep me going.

To my surprise, this is where I found the little pair of missing shoes- with mine.

These look especially beautiful with the wintry white snow. Thanks Ben.

an outing before we were in

Luckily Rhone and I were able to get a way for a little road trip before the blizzard hit the east coast. The morning was a little hectic because I had to shovel the driveway before we could hit the road and we made this chex mix to share with our friends. I was a little nervous about road tripping with just Rhone and I, but everything went well and I now have the confidence to drive in the traffic. So we should be getting out more, even if- who am I kidding when- Ben is away.

Our first stop was to visit some of our friends from pilot training in Mississippi. They are now stationed at McGuire AFB. It was so much fun catching up with Angela and Bailey. They were both great hostesses. We even got to see Dave for a bit. How fun for Rhone to see a someone in a flight suit again. The trip really didn't take too long, so I am already looking forward to many visit with our friends. Thanks so much for having us!

Bailey didn't want to be in pictures, she just wanted to take them. Notice Rhone's necklace? At least it's blue :)

So much fun to be around a boy again!

Our next stop was Princeton, New Jersey. My mom's youngest brother lives there. We had so much fun visiting with Cole. It was great to sit down and have a great conversation with family. Rhone was a little rowdy during dinner, but he loved playing with the great furniture at Cole's house, including this stool that doubled as mixing bowl for Rhone. He has been working on climbing onto our love seat ever since. We love having family close by!

That is genuine hide and horns.

Cole and Rhone

Yes, you remember correctly, I did use the word blizzard. This storm may not have been a monster by western standards, but for our area it was huge. Friday morning we got some errand running in, but by afternoon we were settled in for a LONG weekend at home. Dover got around 25 inches of snow in about 24 hours and it was windy. It took me about a day and half to finally get the driveway clear. Sunday I didn't get much done, because Rhone and I spent more time playing than working. Plus, after Rhone went to bed I opted to keep watching the super bowl instead of finishing up the driveway. There's a chance of snow tomorrow night, so I got it clear in time just for new snow to settle in.

Saturday night after it stopped snowing (I was gearing up to shovel while Rhone was sleeping). Notice the drift up to my chest behind me.

Rhone standing in front of the snow that still needs to be shoveled off the driveway.

I remembered coloring the snow with colored water when I was little. Unfortunately I didn't have spray bottle on hand so we filled up his tub toys with blue and green water and squirted away.


A little snow and gold fish recipe Rhone was whippin' up.


Even though we were stuck at home for the super bowl, we put on our blue and white and indulged in some treats while we watched the game. Rhone fell asleep on me while we were watching. Not the typical super bowl party, but still enjoyable. Too bad our team didn't win.

I never really got a good picture of Rhone's black eye. I needed to do it while he was sleeping, but lets face it, I have higher priorities during that precious time.

let it snow

While it was still snowing

That is a lot of snow for a 120 lb me to move while putting mittens on Rhone 20 times. The soil scientist in me requires a shovel for reference. Too bad I still have half the driveway to go, but it is waiting until tomorrow.


{more pictures about our week coming soon}

the stats

12 month check up:

1 healthy boy
25.5 lbs (75th percentile)
31 inches (75th percentile)
1 possible black eye
1 tired mom

see how swollen the left eyebrow is?

starting to turn blue