THANKSgiving

Sometimes even the best made plans fall apart.  On Thanksgiving, we planned on going to Maryland to visit our family.  The goal was 3 houses in 2 days.  Bags were packed, cars were ready, crafts were made for grandparents and a few loaves of fresh pumpkin bread were ready to go.  All except poor Sophia was really sick.  Thus, we canceled our trip to Maryland the day before thanksgiving.  With limited preparations I managed to whip up a delicous thanksgiving meal for my family.  Despite Sophia being under the weather we enjoyed a very relaxing holiday at home.  We watched Christmas movies and snuggled by the fire.

During this time of year and always I count my blessings, especially for my blue eyed, blond haired cuties!  Here are few photos of the festivities...

Sick Sophie

Nothing like a thanksgiving photo shoot to mark the occasion.

Look who is starting to feel better!!

Silly Sophia

Mommy's little reindeers

The spread: Turkey, Stuffing, Corn, Sweet Potato Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, Rolls, Pumpkin Bread and Pumpkin Pie!

 Sophia is ready to dig in!

Our sweet cat Poca was tired from eating lots of turkey.

I am thankful that sweet Sophia is feeling much better!

Turkeys in Art

This isn't just a turkey, As anyone can see.

I made it with my hand, Which is part of me.

It comes with lots of love, Especially to say,

I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving Day!

Love,

Isabella

I love art especially with my girls.  Here are a few pieces by my little budding artists.  Enjoy!

by Sophia

by Isabella

by Sophia

by Isabella

Art & Illumination

Friday was a fun filled day with art, singing and holiday cheer.  Friday morning our playgroup took the preschool class offered at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

I was excited to check out the museum too!   The lesson was on animals in art and it was really neat.  The kids enjoyed story time and then made a painting like the Picasso Pigeon.

 

 Isabella used a foam dish brush to paint the background and a blue feather to paint the bird white.

 After the art project we went out to tour the museum but Isabella was afraid of a few of the sculptures.  In particular, there was a large blue head in the courtyard and Isabella was shaking and did not want to go anywhere near it.  Look at the face below...she does not want to even look at that sculpture. 

 Story time helped Sophia catch a little cat nap.

 Isabella's masterpiece!

 Friday evening we went to see Santa and the Illumination of the big Christmas Tree at Short Pump Mall.  Isabella was afraid of the characters but did enjoy seeing the big tree (in her words) "turn on"

 We are excited for the holidays to begin!!



Lucky 13

For the past 4 months I have been training to run my 1st half marathon.  After about 200+ miles in training I felt pumped about race day.  I was so excited I could barely sleep.  Here are Jennifer, Jaime and I heading out to the race.  

  I have been training with the Mother Runner Training Team.  We snapped a shot before the race of 13 Mother Runners and 2 coaches.    Lucky 13!

 Since the bathroom lines were long we snapped another photo of myself, Maggie and Ellen.

 Mile 1

Mile 3ish

Mile 9ish

 So HAPPY to see my family cheering me on!

 Stopping for hugs & kisses

 I ran in honor of Martha McGarry and her fight with cancer

 My biggest fans

 After seeing my family I soared through the last 3.6 miles.

 I felt the love!  Look at these wonderful signs my family made for me!!!  Thank you Will, Isabella, Sophia, Eddie & Mary.  The signs were great!  Your support was the wind in my wings.

We did it!!  It was such a great feeling to finish the race .  Below is a photo of my running buddies Ellen & Maggie.  Maggie and I sprinted for the finish line which made for a fun end of the race.  We finished one second apart.

Here is another post race shot of Jennifer, Jaime and I basking in our half marathon glory!

 I learned a lot about myself in the process of training for the half marathon.  If I can to run 13.1 miles and enjoy it, than I can complete anything I set my mind on.  It was a wonderful run.  I felt very thankful to have no major aches or pains during the run and the ability to run the entire half marathon.  I am also very thankful for my family and friends who supported me on my journey.  For me, the journey to the half marathon was much more than just one race.  It was the experience of learning about myself,  making new friendships and getting my body back.  My goal was to complete the race in 2 1/2 hours and I did it in 2:28:17.  It was a great journey!

Fun x 2

We went to the pediatrician for Sophia's 1 year check up.  The girls had fun playing in the room while we were waiting for the doctor.  After we left the room we spent a little time in Dr. Terry's office.  He has a tiny bench in his room that was perfect for the girls to chill on.  Isabella wanted to take it home.

Here are Sophia's stats from her appointment:

weight:  21.9 lbs (60%)

height: 30.5" (90%)

 Here are a few pics of the girls having fun in our backyard.  Sophia loves being pushed on the swing by Isabella and Isabella loves being pushed high in the air.

Fall Baby

Now that Sophia is a year old she is trying lots of new things!  She loved playing in the leaves and would not sit in one place for very long.  Sophia kept scooting away and boy was she having fun in the yard.  It was funny to see the trail of leaves being cleared away as she scooted by.

 During the week of Sophia's birthday she accomplished 2 new tricks!  Sophia can get into a sitting position from her tummy and she can pull up to standing position.  She likes to demonstrate her new skills and is having fun with her new vantage point.  Here are the step by step photos of Sophie pulling herself up on the couch.  The motivating factor was the remote control.  Sophia loves to play with phones and remotes.

Keep up the good work Sophia!  We are so proud of you.  It does not matter when the task is accomplished...its the journey to get there that is fun.  We celebrate your milestones and all the joy your bring to our lives.