Funny and Not So Funny

So, we get the kids' Easter pictures taken, and at the photo shop the photographer was talking about how much Peter and James looked alike.  I chimed in with this comment . . .

"Yes, they do - except they have completely different personalities, different hair styles and different fathers"

 . . . no one laughed.  Obviously, that was only funny to me!

I had to quickly announce that I was joking.


It really made me think, however, about how truly blessed I am.  Blessed that the man that I fell in love with 12 years ago is the caring and involved father to my children and a faithful, loyal and loving husband to me.  To see our decision, to live pure before marriage, as a good decision, and to be able to experience all of the many wonderful and amazing blessings that have come from that decision.



Wow.




Just wow.

B&B ~ Day 1

Sunday, after church - Tim and I dropped the boys off with my parents, and headed Northeast to Danville , OH.

For our joint birthday gift - Tim's parents booked a Bed and Breakfast for us to stay for 2 nights/3 days. It was truly the PERFECT gift!

Tim and I were SO excited and really had NO idea how good this trip would be for us both!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We arrived around 3:30/4:00 in the late afternoon. The owner of the B&B greeted us, handed us our key and walked us around the Inn. First thing I saw (of course) was THIS beauty

A Chickering Rococo Style Square Grand Piano

A beautiful antique grand piano, built in the mid 1800's, valued at over $30,000! I just about passed out when the owner told me that I could TOUCH it and PLAY it!!!

She showed us our own little cabin, and let us know that dinner would be ready at 7:00. What a treat! We settled in, I knitted, took a nap and then got into the whirlpool, all just because! It was wonderful!
We headed to the Main Hall to sit and relax, running into another (sweet) couple. We chatted it up quite a bit, a little of this, a little of that. We learned that they were regulars at this particular B&B and they just adore the Inn owners. The owner came in to tell us of our dinner selections for this evening.
Warm Bread
Tossed Salad with Oranges and Pine Nuts with a Seseame Dressing
Golden Vegetable Soup
Scalloped Potatoes
Steamed Broccoli and Carrots
Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Sauce or
Mushroom and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts with mushroom red wine sauce
(Tim and I both picked the Chicken)

It was amazing!!!

We have a lovely conversation with the two couples that joined us for dinner. The other couple - our age, was very quiet, but joined in the conversation. Tim then decided to ask what they do for a living and the wife (Tanya) said 'Christian counseling' . . . well, Tim and I must have lit up and had flags popping out of our heads, because the husband (Todd) knew that we were VERY interested in her profession. So, Todd asked what we did, and I chimed in telling them that I teach piano and write music for a Christian band. Then THEY lit up like NY city and we hit it off immediately.
We had an amazing dessert. . . . . . .

The younger couple did excuse themselves from the table during dinner, but Tim and I never thought another thing about it (later to come) but they finished dinner with us all and headed back to their cabin early. Tim and I stayed up with the older couple and I got to serenade them all evening and even took requests. It was RIGHT UP my alley! A perfect end to a perfect day!

B&B ~ Day 2

We had the option of having breakfast ready for us at 8:30 or at 9:30. Tim and I looked at each other and both said "9:30!!!"
We had heard that the older couple wanted to have their breakfast earlier this morning - but we also learned that the younger couple (who have young children) picked the later time as well. The Lord had BIG plans for us, and this was just ONE sign of His Grace to us this weekend.
We had a lazy morning, knowing that breakfast wasn't until later, we got to sleep in . . I read, knitted some more and took a nice (LONG) hot shower . . . and went to the bathroom without ANY intreruptions. That does NOT happen at home, by any means.
We met up with the older couple just as they were heading out, Tom (the husband) gave me his business card and told us that if we were ever in the Dellaware area, or closer to Columbus, to give them a visit.
Tim and I sat down for breakfast - and at this particular Inn, they like to purposefully 'pair' you with the other couples in the Inn. So we got to enjoy our first breakfast with Todd and Tanya.
The breakfast menu this morning consisted of. . . . . . . .
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Breakfast Suffla with Spinach and Squash
Pear Ginger Pancakes with Brandied Pear Syrup
Hot Coffee
Cranberry Juice

Delicious is such an UNDERSTATEMENT when it comes to this breakfast!! Truly a delight!

We started eating between 9:15/9:30 and started right up with a great conversation with Todd and Tanya. We learned that they too had two children (a little bit older than ours) and went to a similar church like we do. And then, one by one we went around the table and gave our testimony. This does NOT happen to Tim and I, ever - on a regular basis or irregular basis. We talked about our favorite scripture verses, ones that have helped our own Spiritual growth, ones that have helped us with parenting and those that have guided our thoughts and actions while witnessing to others. Long story short, when we started to 'wrap things up' it was 1:00 IN THE AFTERNOON! I thought praying with them over breakfast was fantastic . . .this was incredible! I really never expected this, at all.

Tim and I had scheduled a Couple's Massage at 5:00, so I thought that we could cram in a million different things and get back to our cabin by the time Kim would come over to give us our massages. NO SO! In fact, about a third way into the driving around town, I barely got the words, "If you want to just turn around and. . . ." OUT - before Tim turned the car around and headed back to our cabin. It was taking WAY to long to drive to all of the 'happening' places, and I wanted to get another awesome nap in before dinner.
Since we had talked so long with our new-found friends, we completely forgot about lunch. So, we decided that we would eat at a 'Ma & Pa' restaraunt and decide later if this meal would be lunch or dinner.





Turns out it was a late LUNCH! . . . . and a very GOOD one, at that!

We went back to our just relaxed, started a great fire in the fireplace in our cabin, read our books and listened to music (which they provided). It was very romantic!

Kim - our Massouse - came around 5:30 - Tim went first (it was his first massage ever!) and he was like jello afterwards, then I went and we had a lovely talk with Kim. She was wonderful! We were both VERY relaxed.
Tim's parents surprised us with a tray full of chocolate covered strawberries and sparkling cider. What sweet treat for us!

We went out later, for dinner. It was a pretty 'late' dinner, too. I think we didn't eat until 8:30/9:00, but again - a small chain always has the BEST food - and it was GOOD!

We headed back to our cabin and saw 6 deer on the way! Three of them were running along side of our car . . . for at least a half of a mile. It was amazing!!!!

After my first attempt of starting a fire . . .and Tim, having to REstart it . . I started to doze off, so I headed to bed and slept like a LOG! (no pun intended)

B&B ~ Day 3

Our last morning here . . . . totally bummed out that we are leaving so 'early' . . . even though, this is the LONGEST that we have been away from BOTH boys at the same time. . . it seemed like a minute!
We (as in I) got up around 8:30 (which is TOTALLY sleeping in for me!) and started to pack. Took another hot shower, put things away, tidyed up a bit, got Tim up, we finished packing and headed to breakfast.

This morning we enjoyed . . . . .
Chocolate Cherry Muffins
Herbed Scrambled Eggs with Tomato Basil Sauce
Stuffed Baked Cream French Toast with Roasted Pears
Hot Coffee
Cranberry Juice

DELICIOUS - again! Nothing short of it!

We had another wonderful conversation with Todd and Tanya, finishing in the parlor. Todd wanted to hear me play the piano, so they finished up packing and met us in the Main Hall. He told me some of his favorite Christian Contemporary songs and I would play them (as best as I could) and we just really got to enjoy each other's company.

We had to check-out at 11:00, but promised the Inn owners - as well as Todd and Tanya, that this would become an annual visit. It's only 2 1/2 hours away . . . we don't have to rent a car - the scenery was breathtaking and since they come THIS weekend, every year - we would be sure to visit with them again. We said our goodbyes and they took a picture of all 4 of us together (to come soon!) and then we exchanged information and promised to keep in touch.

Tim and I had a shorter ride home, mostly in silence. We were spent. I think more emotionally than physically, but it was a good 'spent'. Kind of like the one after a 'high' . . . . like a retreat or camp.

Here are some pictures of our stay at the White Oak Inn

Our Cabin:

Our Bedroom:

Our Tub:

Our Living Area:

The View from The Back Porch:

Our Bathroom/Closet/Hallway:

The Cabins:

More pictures around the Inn . . .

trust me - they don't do justice to the beautiful fall colored leaves . . they were stunning!

A couple pictures - just the tip of the iceberg - of our sights on the way home



Just a gorgeous house . . one, of many - we saw on our travels.

**By the way . . . Tim and I found out later, that the reason Todd and Tanya excused themselves from dinner, was because - after finding out that we were Christians - they went to the back, talked and prayed if this would be God's timing in them asking us to share our testimony to the other couple sitting with us. How cool is that!?! Turns out, it wasn't in His plan - but still so cool knowing that THAT was in their thoughts and prayers for this other couple!

Tough Times

If you would, please keep Tim and our family in your prayers.
Tim came home today and announced that he lost his job. So, the search is on. This is the second time Tim has been laid-off in the 6 years we have been married. Ohio is a very difficult state to keep work, in his field.

Please pray specifically. . . .
1) That Tim finds a place of employment before our Family Insurance goes away.
2) That Tim and I will be flexible to the Holy Spirit's leading, even if it is not locally.
3) That we will be wise with our money, savings and spending.

Thank you, very much!!
We appreciate you all!

A Weekend Away

Last Friday, Tim and I got the greatest opportunity to get away for the weekend, with our best friends, Aaron and Becky.
Tim and Aaron still had to work their usual shifts on Friday, so Becky and I decided to get a little 'girl only time' in, dropped off our boys early and headed for the hotel. At 3 in the afternoon, we sat, soaking in the hot tub and talking it up. It was so nice and relaxing!

We spent the rest of the time watching T.V. and knitting, until the Hubby's arrived. We decided to get PFChang's, to go (to avoid the wait for sit-down seating) and took it back to our hotel. We all ate in the Lobby area and had a great time catching up. We bought some dessert and drinks at a local grocery store and ate it in our rooms. Becky and I spent the rest of the evening on our lap-tops while the Hubby's played video games. It was SO nice to be somewhere else - with NO kids!!!
Saturday morning we woke up to a made-to-order breakfast at the Hotel. YUM!!!! It was delicious! We went back to our rooms to freshen up and headed to the movie theater for a comedy movie and popcorn. It was a hilarious movie, so it was the icing on our morning 'cake'! We went back to our separate rooms (we both had Jacuzzi Rooms!) and soaked in the tub, Tim and I went swimming and just enjoyed some time alone with our Hubby's. We got all dressed up for dinner and went to a Steak House for an amazing meal!


Becky had put together some 'Goodie-Bags' for this weekend, so we enjoyed our home-made brownies and candy at our rooms after dinner.
We had a wonderful weekend . . thanks to both of our parents for watching the kids for us!! We hated to see the weekend come to an end, but vowed to each other to continue this new tradition at least once a year!!!

A Parents-Christmas

This year, Tim and I decided not to get each other gifts this year. Instead, we were going to jointly buy a wii and a new large flat screen T.V. for our mantle. We used the T.V. right away (right after Thanksgiving) but we waited to use the wii until the week of Christmas.


Then, we added to our collection and got a wii fit!
And, after a week of working out on it, I'm officially sore, so it works!!!!!!

Happy 6 Yrs. Together!

Tim and I celebrated our 6th year anniversary! Even though we are waiting to actually 'celebrate' it together, we are very grateful to have this wonderful occasion. Tim has truly changed my life, and we now sit and wonder. . .

"What did we DO without one another. . . .what did we DO without kids???"

"What did we used to TALK about on our dates?" - (besides the kids)

It's so hard imagining our lives without the other. Yet, we won't have to. Praise the Lord! He's stuck with me! :0)

We hope to celebrate 'us' together in Minnesota in 2 weeks, while we are on our family vacation! We will have 4-able sitters! Yea!!!!

A Night for Us

Tim had to work first shift on Friday, so as soon as he came home, it was off to Grandma & Grandpa's house for the kids!
We didn't have a 'curfew' so we decided to go out to eat, at a REAL restaurant . . .
and we even had enough time to see a REAL movie in a REAL theater!
It was a marvelous night! We ate at the Cheesecake Factory, Tim got a cheeseburger sandwich and I got the Chinese salad (both HUGE portions) and then we split a strawberry shortcake for dessert! Mmmmm! We got our theater tickets and then went to Books n' Company and just sat, in absolute quietness, and relaxed in front of a good book. As the time for the movie approached, we headed to the theater, and both of us got a snack (which was HALF of the price of the movie!!). We saw a comedy movie and laughed until we cried.
It was wonderful!
Thank you, Sweetie, for a lovely evening with you!!!

Wrapping It Up!

I got home on Saturday, a little after noon. Tim was home with the boys and wanted to get out for a little while, so we went back to the same outdoor mall that I was just at with Kimberly the day before. He and Peter got dinner at a local diner (I already ate at home) and then we got some ice-cream at the Cold Stone. He also topped off my 'spoiled weekend' with some Nine West Stilettos. What a sweet hubby!!! With all of my many different purchases over the weekend, I was look'n sharp by Sunday!! :0)

Our Date Night

Tim and I had our first date night without Peter and James. It was wonderful and much needed! We went to a local restaurant with three other couples (Aaron & Becky, Joey & Erika, Dave & Caralee) and then everyone came over to our house for games, ice cream and coffee! We had a blast. . . thanks Aaron and Becky!

Our Christmas Tree

Tim is well-known for his Christmas Tree decorating. The year after we were married, I think I counted close to 15 different strands of lights. He has since settled down quit a bit, and I think, this year, we only have around 7 strands. But, with all of the ornaments (all ones that we've given, shared, been given or had as a child), it really completes the look, and brings back many wonderful memories!

Our First Snow Fall!

Well, it is December 5th and we had our first snow alert last night. It began a couple days ago, as just a 'light dust', then yesterday morning the news center was saying that we may get an inch or two, then last night they sent out an advisory for a snow alert. During one of James feedings, around midnight, it starting snowing and it hasn't stopped yet (it's 10:30AM now)!
Here's also some new pictures, we had an interesting day yesterday, Peter got sick on Monday morning, so I have learned VERY quickly how to keep one healthy kid and one sick kid far away from each other! He's doing much better now, and we've had a couple doctor appointments already. James is over 6 pounds already! Praise the Lord!!! He's in the 5% percentile for weight and his head size, but completely average for his length!!! What a riot! I keep having these tall babies!

We decided for our 5th year wedding anniversary, to do a 'big to do' trip. Something romantic and FAR FAR away from here! We flew to Vermont for the weekend (plus a couple days. . .mostly at the airports) to a Bed & Breakfast in Stowe, Vermont. WOW! It was a breath-taking, beautiful Inn with delicious foods and a gorgeous view out our bedroom window. We really enjoyed our selves. We also knew that this would probably be the last big trip for us, just the two of us, for a while. . .with he new baby on it's way soon! We LOVED this trip and know that we'll remember this for a lifetime!