SPCA treasure

It seems Santa was not going to bring Isabella a kitty for Christmas but perhaps we could find one for a good price.  Will and I have been looking for a few weeks for female kittens and did not want to break the bank on a rare breed.  I just happened upon the SPCA to see if any new cats (or dogs) had arrived and what to my wondering eyes should appear but an add stating the adoption fee was waved!  Merry Christmas to us!  

On-line, I had spotted a female kitten named Sarah.  There were a few other kittens but she caught my eye.  Upon arriving and seeing ALL the animals we settled on our top 4 favorite kittens.  Sarah was the only girl so we chose to play with her first.  She was curious, outgoing and sweet.  Plus she seemed to bond with all of us.    I just hoped she would stay as happy with us as we were with her.

Sophia greeting "Sarah" the first time she saw her cage.

Sophia approves

Isabella is being gentle with "Sarah"

Such a sweet kitten!

The girls are happy to bring the kitty home

The kitty has adjusted well to our home and family.  Every day we discover more of her personality that we love.  From her tiny high pitched meow & low purr to her cute white kitty booties...she is "purrfect"! 

Lucy is adjusting well to our home!

Lucy taking a cat nap on Bella.

Sophia loves baby dolls and kitty cats!

Our Candy Cane Princess

We have discovered that our kitten loves chin rubs, snuggles and looking out the window. She is very entertained by the wildlife in our backyard.  She loves to eat, sleep and play.  She really is a sweet cat and we are lucky to have found such a gem.

Lucy likes to lounge on Wills chest.

She tolerates kisses

She loves chin rubs

Checking out the birds....

...And chipmunks...

...and squirrels.

Our window watcher kitty

Not only did we want a pet but we wanted one that would be happy in our home.  We lucked out since we all love Lucy as much as she loves us.  Thank you to the Richmond SPCA & Priority Automotive for generously covering our adoption fee and adding joy to our lives.  It is already a Merry Christmas!

Lacey and Dorothy

In November the girls received a letter from Lacey, their Elf.

Dear Isabella & Sophia,

I am so excited to return to your home this Christmas!  Remember my job is to watch you both carefully each day and give a full report to Santa after you fall fast asleep.  I can’t wait to let Santa know how amazing you both continue to behave.  I can’t wait for you to wake up each morning and try to find where I am!  Remember to look high and low and inside and outside of things.  I could be anywhere!

This year I have a very special surprise for you both.  When I arrive, I will be bringing my little sister with me.  She has learned to fly and is ready to make her first appearance in your home.  She is very excited to meet you and can’t wait to learn what her new name will be.  So start thinking of names for her because we will be there soon!  Keep your eyes out for us because you never know when we will appear!

your elf, Lacey

Welcome to Lacey and his little sister.

The girls were excited to have a sister Elf.   Sophia picked the name Dorothy and she fits right in the fun!

Mixed drinks & Pirate Booty party

Toilet paper craziness!

Chillin' on the creche, taking care of the sheep.

These are some silly elfs!  Isabella said she believes in the Elf Magic.  I wonder where Lacey and his little sister Dorothy will show up tomorrow?

Joy of the Season

December is my most favorite time of the year and my girls love the joy the season has to offer.    We have delivered Christmas cards and sang carols (to residents at a facility near our church).  We waved to Santa at the mall.  We enjoyed seeing tacky Christmas lights.  We attended a live nativity at our preschool.  We are busy but having fun!

Ho Ho Ho...holiday fun in the tub!

Kids from St. Anne Ministry after delivering cards & carols 

Sophia & Hannah hanging out near Santa at the mall

Two little girls very excited to see Christmas Lights

Santa Sophia and Snowman Bella

Photo by Bella

Daddy and his darling daughters!

Silly Schaefer girls love the lights!

Candlelight at the Live Nativity

Thanksgiving in Maryland

Over the river and through the woods to Grandmothers house we go

The wind knows the way to carry the sleigh....

We spent Thanksgiving in Maryland this year with the Schaefers and McGarrys.  The girls were both able to spend time with their godfathers which was nice. It was a lovely dinner with great company.  We were thankful to be there.

Sophia, William & Isabella

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

The following day we visited my family.  I have missed Gram so much that it was emotional when we hugged each other. Though I can not hear her voice anymore, my love has never changed.  We are all thankful to be with Gram.  I really enjoyed chatting my Mom, Gordon and Pap.  Time ticks away fast when we are together.

The girls with Pap & Gram

Gram and Grammie with the girls

That evening we arrived home sweet home and discovered our Elf Lacey had brought his little sister along.  They were enjoying a few mother goose books while we were gone.  The girls were excited that Lacey's sister had learned how to fly and was coming to stay with us this year.  After much discussion, the girls selected the name Dorothy (as in Dorothy Gale from Kansas).  To make the elves feel at home we decorated our house for Christmas.  It was so much fun to decorate this year and much easier than the past few years.  Isabella and Sophia were a big help decorating the tree.  We enjoyed a Christmas carols, a Christmas movie marathon, hot coco, and a warm fire while we trimmed our tree.  It was one of my favorite days of this year!!!!! 

Dorothy & Lacey

Isabella helps untangle the garland

Sophia is happy to find my Wizard of Oz ornaments!

Wishing you and your families all the joy and warmth that this season has to offer.  Happy Holidays!  

School Feast

I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving.  We have a lot to be thankful for, including great teachers and schools.  Isabella and Sophia both had a feast in their classrooms a few days before Thanksgiving. The girls enjoyed making seasonal crafts and feather headpieces.  I was very thankful to be able to help at both feasts.

Isabella told her class she was thankful for her kitty Poca that died and that she loved kitties.  Sophia told her class she was thankful for her whole family.  We have a lot to be thankful for!

Mrs. Cobaugh's  Kindergarten Feast

Isabella & I on feast day at school

Yum, Chocolate Pudding!

Can you see two little girls in the leaves?

Ready for the feast at school!

Sophia and I peeling apples at school

Sophia celebrates with classmates

Stay tuned in for photos from Thanksgiving Day!

Sweetheart Fingers and Wiggly Toes

Who has five sweetheart fingers and 10 wiggly toes.... Sophia!

Photo from 4 year well visit  

Miss Sophia is growing up so fast!  It seems like just yesterday that her feet fit in the palm of my hand.

A Thankful Marathon Momma

I am thankful that despite injury I was able to toe the start line of the Richmond marathon.  I had taken an abrupt taper or a 3 week break from running before the marathon due to a pesky case of plantar fasciitis.  I went into the race just thankful to be there.  I ran my marathon for those who were injured an unable to run. Things went great the first 10 miles then one foot started whimpering at me.  By mile 16 my feet were barking at me and I started thinking to myself that I could totally walk this race and still finish.  Thank goodness my friend Stern showed up around mile 21 to shuffle it in!  We finished seconds apart and it was a wonderful experience to look back at my friend as she toed the finish line.  I went into marathon training to set a PR but walked out thankful for the life experience. Thankful for my health, family, friends  MTT team and coaches.  

The night before the marathon

Pre-race jitters shared with great friends

A special moment with Stern right after crossing the finish

Will and the girls were the best support crew I could wish for!  They met me 3 times along the course and cheered me on.  Not only did they support me during my 26.2 mile race but also for the past 6 months as I racked up the miles.  Knowing that my family was around the corner during the race kept me motivated.  The fresh orange slices and kisses at mile 21 were like a slice of heaven on a platter.  Seeing my family as I crossed the finish line made my heart soar.  I am one lucky marathon Momma, thanks to the support of my dear family.

My awesome support crew!

Bunny Feet by the fire...the perfect end to my marathon day

Isabella's portrait of me!

A book Isabella made at school

Melts my heart!