2012: A Year of Live Music

Joe and I have always loved live music.  Before kids, it seemed like we were always finding some small San Diego dive (Belly Up, Casbah, even the Del Mar Fairgrounds) to watch a band play.  But since becoming parents, the outings have been less frequent.  This year, we vowed to get out to live shows more. A recap...

 Robert Earl Keen at Rams Head in Annapolis.

David Cook at House of Blues Chicago.   

 Blue Grass Festival at the Fiddlers Convention in Brogue, PA. 

 Zan Brown Band at Merriweather Pavilion in Baltimore.

 Bruce Springstein at Fenway Park in Boston. 

 Luke Bryan at York Fairgrounds.

  Farm Aid at Hershey.  Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney, Grace Potter, and others. 

 

 

Dave Matthews at Baltimore Arena. 

 

We ended up selling tickets to Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, VirginFest and Ben Harper. 

 

Still...All the venues, all our friends...always a good time! 

Sports Photos - these are the ones I will treasure

So, this year the kids started officially playing sports. While the team pictures are cute, these are the ones I will treasure.

 All dressed up and ready to play!

 Batter up! 

 Conor, Daddy, and the trophy.  So proud!

 Playing the outfield takes a lot of patience.   

 In this picture, Katie is upside down next to the blonde little girl.  If you look closely, you will see her pink and black cleats.  Puts a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Get your head in the game". 

 Twirling her hair. 

 Taking a turn in the goal. 

 All this concentration is

Exhausting!

Sisters

Growing up, I always wondered what it would be like to have a sister.  Don't get me wrong, my brother is irreplaceable, and one of my dearest friends.  However, my Mimi was one of six, three girls and three boys.  Watching her with her sisters at the family reunion this summer, I had to admire their bond, and wonder what it would be like to share clothes, makeup, or girlie secrets...

 

Here is a picture of my MiMi (far left) with her sisters (her twin in the middle). 

 

 

 

 

As life would have it, I did receive a special gift after all...two very dear Sister-in-laws.  While we don't share clothes or makeup, we have shared many laughs. 

Love you two!  I am so lucky to call you my sisters. 

 

 

 

A letter to our Son on his fourth birthday

My dear Conor, my buddy,

Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, you will turn four years old. To think back and remember all we have faced the last four years, I couldn't think of a more special day to celebrate your birthday. It seems so fitting, like a re-birth of sorts. Great things are ahead for you.

This is the year you made the decision to give up your woobie...woobs. Just like when you decided it was time to use the potty, you threw your blanket in the trash with such confidence. I am a "big boy," you declared! So sure, so proud of yourself, just as we were of you.

I love your new found confidence in your speech, too. From the little stories you tell (that sometimes only I can understand), to how you now sing along to songs in the car, to how you spell your name. We are so proud of how hard you have worked over the last year, are proud of your progress, and excited about what the future holds.

I love how you have no reservations. You push the limits, literally "dance like nobody's watching", and approach everything in life like their are no consequences. One day, you are going to have to remind me that this can be a good thing. You are my wild.

I love how you throw your hands in the air, and yell, "I did it," after eating a meal, getting dressed, finishing a puzzle, or kicking the soccer ball. I hope you always recognize your accomplishments (big and small), even if one day this recognition is in silence.

It is hard to believe four years have passed since we welcomed you into our family, and I couldn't imagine what our lives would have been like without you in it. We love you, Buddy. Always.

Happy Birthday, Son.

Mom

Top 10 (ok 11) Reasons I love my husband

It's been almost four months since my last post, and I haven't forgotten about the intent of why I started this. Finding the time has just been difficult. So, I figured I needed to take a moment over lunch today to just make time. I'm gonna start with the most important event this week, and just backfill when I am able. So, bare with me. Sorry, Mom! The memories are coming!

This week, Joe and I celebrate our eighth wedding anniversary. In reflection, I am one lucky gal. Just to make him blush (when he thought he was safe), here are my Top 10 favorite things about Joe...in no particular order:

1. I love the personal heater that you are. The bed is always 20 degrees warmer with you in it.
2. I love that you know just when I need a hug, aren't afraid to give it to me anywhere, and know just how long to hold on without me saying a word.
3. I love that you live without fear or reservation. You always have a new idea, believe anything is possible, and ALWAYS live in the moment.
4. I love that you never harass me over money or "pretty things" I just can't live without.
5. I love your fun-loving spirit. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't think you are amazing (me included), and I admire you for the lifelong friends you have and treasure.
6. I love that you embrace our kids and their youth...never ashamed to get on the floor and play "puppy" with Kate or "crash trains" with Conor.
7. I love how you support me. No matter how many hours I think I can work, community programs I think I can get involved in, or "me time" I need. You may shake your head, but you do it with a smile.
8. I love how much fun we have when we travel. How you insist on always driving, feel completely comfortable in the silence not always feeling the need to talk (simply enjoying eachother), embrace exploring new things, and always share the airtime with music you know I would enjoy.
9. I love how in all these years, I never feel jealous of your time with others. You have given me more confidence and security than I have ever known. The best relationship to be in is one of trust, laughter, and love.
10. I love that every year on our Anniversary, you write the number of years we have been married in the card, like it's your favorite sports team jersey number.

Ok. Had to add #11. I love that public posts like this don't embarass you at all.

Thanks for making everyday better than the last, and making marriage so easy...so fun.

I love you.