happy birthday, beautiful boy!

It astounds me how quickly a year goes by! One year ago tonight, I was gazing at this beautiful brand new baby, all tiny and perfectly scrunched. And now, he's sleeping soundly in his crib, a tummy full of green beans and rice, and worn out from a day of play and travel.
In a lot of ways, this first year has been a series of introductions. He's a different boy every day--always changing, always learning. I just try to keep up as his personality emerges more and more. He's a cuddler and a charmer. Sweet thing, my Sam. Happy birthday, baby boy.

growing boy!

party time!

before...

My favorite part of the 1st birthday is, hands down, the baby's cake. I LOVE IT! Kate was a bit reluctant to dig in on her 1st, but Samuel showed no hesitation at all. After realizing that we weren't going to stop him, he helped himself to handful after yummy handful. He was hilarious!

during...

after!

happy thanksgiving

I'm so thankful for these two. They keep me tethered to all that truly matters. My mind is prone to get swept away in the temporal things of this world, wishing for this and for that...all just stuff. But then I see these two, and I'm reminded (again) that I already have it all. I recently ran across this old saying, "Measure your wealth not by the things you have, but by the things for which you would not take money." I'm one blessed girl.

powers of persuasion

After Kate's nap today, she couldn't, wouldn't stop talking about the zoo. This topic came out of nowhere and seems to be going nowhere anytime soon as it is now nearing 4 p.m. and she is still incessantly talking about the zoo. Here's a snippet of our conversation:

Kate: I want to go to the zoo today.

Me: I don't think we can go to the zoo today. It's expensive.

Kate: Oh...(and then with lots of enthusiasm) I've got a good idea! Let's go to the bank and get some money!

Me: I still don't know if we can go to the zoo. It's pretty far away.

Kate: Okay...I've got a good idea! I'll wear a pull up to the zoo and then take it off!

Me: Well that is a good idea, but if we go to the zoo today, I'm afraid all the animals will be asleep by the time we get there.

Kate: Okay...(thinking, thinking) I've got a good idea! (I'm not exaggerating...she said this every time). We'll go "tickle tickle tickle" and wake all the animals up!

So went our discussion for the next, oh, hour and a half. She offered a solution to every problem. We're still not going to the zoo today, but I'm pricing tickets for tomorrow. She's good.

you're it!

Sorry, folks. I know it's time for Halloween pictures, but our camera has once again quit working on us. This just weeks after sending it off to be repaired by the manufacturer. So, we've resorted to using a disposable camera, and we can't make a CD to then download to the blog until we've taken all 27 pictures. We're on #19. Keep checking in....only 8 more to go.

In the meantime, I'm tagging Ashley, Heather, Maria, Lisa and Sarah to complete this survey. My friend Christie tagged me, and now it's your turn!

"The Five"

Ten years ago I:

1. was TWENTY years old (seems so young now!) and starting my junior year at Carolina
2. was building amazing friendships with girls I still consider my BFFs
3. had no idea that Stephen Burton, my old buddy from youth group, would be my best friend and husband
4. was planning my spring semester abroad in England
5. was living in Cobb Dorm with the fabulous Margaret
   

Five things on my “To Do” List today:

1. Vote!
2. Clean the bathrooms
3. Cook dinner (vegetable stew)
4. Take the kids to the park to enjoy this beautiful fall day
5. Get ready for bookclub night

Five snacks I enjoy:

1. green apple with peanut butter
2. trail mix
3. almonds
4. Kate’s Dora yogurt (so yummy!)
5. Chocolate covered pretzels

Five things I would do if I were a millionaire:

1. Pay off any debt (including the house)
2. Help out our families
3. Set up a trust for Kate and Samuel
4. Build a beautiful, big home on our land at the Creek for the whole family to enjoy
5. Adopt

Five places I have lived:

1. North Carolina
2. West Virginia
3. Nevada
4. Florida
5. Georgia

Five jobs I have had:

1. waitress
2. staffer for The Daily Tarheel (UNC newspaper)
3. tutor
4. English teacher
5. Mommy!