It's a niece for Auntie Tricia

Just a quick announcement: It's a girl! We had a great weekend with my sister and the big news is finally here. More to come later...

our corner of the world

It has been a little while and we have been running around our corner of the earth entertaining ourselves through life. I have no photos to share right now, but here are a few tidbits of what we are up to:

the boring: yard work, yard work, and some house cleaning. Words of Wisdom: Even if you desire and can afford a big house with a large yard remember that it all has to be maintained! I love our house and are yard, but it is our livelihood at times. Last night I planted Dahlia's in the front flower beds and I love them- but the not so fun is I spent a long while pulling weeds, sweeping the mulch that moved into the driveway during the rain storm, picking up branches, sticks etc., and finally my favorite! Pulling weeds. What fun!! I complain, but truly I love being outside and enjoying the yard- it is just needy. What I don't like is cleaning inside! Dusting, sweeping, laundry-yuck

Green note: Yesterday we had our family room windows tinted. I did not want to put blinds on them, but needed to control the afternnon sun / heat. So, we have invested in window tinting and our hoping to significantly decrease our energy consumption this summer-

the fun: last weekend we made a trip to Fayetteville (sorry Anna and parents we missed you) for a quick 24 hours to see the 3 Holbrooks before they head off to Kansas. What fun seeing the three and soon to be four. I have been told pictures we will be shared soon- I will post when they arrive. We BBQ'd ate too much and had a lot of laughs. I love seeing old friends!

the necessary: work- boo. My job has been nuts- although I am grateful to be employed. The position is getting ready to take on new adventures which hopefully will be a positive change. MW seems to be doing well in the office- no complaints voiced recently. It may be because I am taking all the complaint time up- oops

Upcoming fun: My sister is arriving tomorrow night with her Fiance- yes they are engaged- so exciting. Tomorrow she finds out if I will have a niece or a nephew- I am so excited. I already have such an urge to spoil this child!

A miracle: I have blogged about Bailey a bunch- and I have to post again what a miracle he is - how strong, determined and inspirational a dog can be- he is doing AMAZING and we are so thankful. He walks up the stairs now- although it is slow and not always perfect he does it on his own each night. He is a wonder dog. Thank you everyone for your prayers for him. He is a good dog.

Looking ahead...we will have friends joining us in the south in the fall...we are pleased to welcome the "Everyday Life" bloggers to the south! Hurray. Looking forward to it.

Take care everyone. Happy Memorial Day!

What's your dream?

Every one's got a dream!

For me it is simple: A beach house. I long for a beach house- to hear the waves crashing while laying in bed at night or reading a book on the deck with the sand dunes and waves in sight. Bliss.

Last weekend we lived my dream- sort of- we went to the beach. We spent the days riding our bikes up and down the shore line and sitting at restaurants on the marina. It was so relaxing to get away. I have come up with a quote for my future beach house. It will hang upon the entry for all who visit. It will read: "There is peace in the world when at the beach." And I don't mean the sandbox- I mean the Ocean- the amazing thing that it is. What a creation.

Sunday when we packed up to leave we took one last walk on the beach and a dolphin decided to join us. It swam playfully along the coastline while we walked. I could have followed it for hours!

I brought my camera but did not take a single photo on the trip. I did not do my hair once and I did not wear any make-up the entire time. It was a great trip!

I am already searching out beach locations for our next getaway! I can hardly wait.