3 years 8 months
Liam - November 2009
17 months
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Happy Holidays!
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas this year!
We're in the midst of celebrating the holiday season and this time of year, which helps us reflect on everything with which we've been blessed.
This year, we went for a free carriage ride at The Avenue. IT was a bit chilly waiting in line, but we made our way through it and enjoyed a warm snuggly ride with our friends the Hoffmans. Liam has been teething lately, so I was just glad he made it through the ride! He enjoyed watching the horses as we waited for our turn.
We also went to the His Kidz Christmas play at church on Saturday. Kids 13 years and younger can act in the play. They did an amazing job! Ava really seemed to enjoy the play, singing and "choreography". She clapped enthusiastically after ever number. Liam also sat through 2/3 of the play, before Doug got up and walked around with him in the back. (I was suprised that Liam made it that far, honestly!)
Liam now says: car, truck, duck, tower, flower, Mama, Daddy, more, Ava, tree, thank you (tay-too), apple, ball, block. I'm sure there are others, but these are what come to mind right now.
Ava has such an amazing memory. I don't know how she remembers half the things she does! She is excited to celebrate Christmas this year and asked Santa to bring her lots of toys (when I told her she could have one big toy or lots of less big toys, she opted for "lots of toys"). She also mentioned that she will be happy with whatever Santa brings to her. That made my heart melt. She wants a "purple coat and a small blue coat to give to Liam". I think it's so sweet that she is thinking of her little brother and trying to be his voice for Santa. She wants to make sure Santa doesn't forget to bring something to Liam!
When we wrote out Ava's letter to Santa, Ava started out by saying that she thinks Rudolph is cute and that she hopes he is okay. It was at that point that she asked for the purple coat, etc. I have no idea why she asked for a purple coat. Too funny. Maybe because she already has a pink one and a blue one... :-) I think she was actually asking for a purple snowsuit (not coat)...
The tree is up (lit and decorated), I made four recipes of truffles this year (Oreo truffles, Kraft's simply elegant chocolate truffle recipe, buckeyes, cookie dough truffles), I've had my fill of hot spiced cider and we've had a holiday party celebrating with friends in our home. It doesn't get any better than that. Everything else is gravy. But I'm sure there will be gravy on the menu before the year is up... ;-)
I love to watch the look on Ava and Liam's faces as they see Christmas lights and decorations. Liam's repetoire of words isn't lengthy, but lengthy enough that he can say "Oooh! Wow!!!" whenever he sees houses lit up with lights. :-)
Life is good.
Peace, love and starry-eyed babes,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
We're in the midst of celebrating the holiday season and this time of year, which helps us reflect on everything with which we've been blessed.
This year, we went for a free carriage ride at The Avenue. IT was a bit chilly waiting in line, but we made our way through it and enjoyed a warm snuggly ride with our friends the Hoffmans. Liam has been teething lately, so I was just glad he made it through the ride! He enjoyed watching the horses as we waited for our turn.
We also went to the His Kidz Christmas play at church on Saturday. Kids 13 years and younger can act in the play. They did an amazing job! Ava really seemed to enjoy the play, singing and "choreography". She clapped enthusiastically after ever number. Liam also sat through 2/3 of the play, before Doug got up and walked around with him in the back. (I was suprised that Liam made it that far, honestly!)
Liam now says: car, truck, duck, tower, flower, Mama, Daddy, more, Ava, tree, thank you (tay-too), apple, ball, block. I'm sure there are others, but these are what come to mind right now.
Ava has such an amazing memory. I don't know how she remembers half the things she does! She is excited to celebrate Christmas this year and asked Santa to bring her lots of toys (when I told her she could have one big toy or lots of less big toys, she opted for "lots of toys"). She also mentioned that she will be happy with whatever Santa brings to her. That made my heart melt. She wants a "purple coat and a small blue coat to give to Liam". I think it's so sweet that she is thinking of her little brother and trying to be his voice for Santa. She wants to make sure Santa doesn't forget to bring something to Liam!
When we wrote out Ava's letter to Santa, Ava started out by saying that she thinks Rudolph is cute and that she hopes he is okay. It was at that point that she asked for the purple coat, etc. I have no idea why she asked for a purple coat. Too funny. Maybe because she already has a pink one and a blue one... :-) I think she was actually asking for a purple snowsuit (not coat)...
The tree is up (lit and decorated), I made four recipes of truffles this year (Oreo truffles, Kraft's simply elegant chocolate truffle recipe, buckeyes, cookie dough truffles), I've had my fill of hot spiced cider and we've had a holiday party celebrating with friends in our home. It doesn't get any better than that. Everything else is gravy. But I'm sure there will be gravy on the menu before the year is up... ;-)
I love to watch the look on Ava and Liam's faces as they see Christmas lights and decorations. Liam's repetoire of words isn't lengthy, but lengthy enough that he can say "Oooh! Wow!!!" whenever he sees houses lit up with lights. :-)
Life is good.
Peace, love and starry-eyed babes,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
Thanksgiving 2009
Happy Turkey Day from the Careys!
This year we went up to Michigan to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. I worked from MI for some of the days while Doug watched the kidlings. I took vacation days for the remainder of our trip, which was nice. It's never enough time that we get to spend with family and friends in Michigan. We did get to: celebrate Thanksgiving with the Careys, with the Griffiths, with the Lawsons, visit with friends.
My sister and Mom have a Black Friday tradition of shopping for Christmas presents in the wee hours of the morning. So, I joined in on the fun and we marked some things off our Christmas list together.
It was the first time we had seen my Uncle Danny since he had a heart catherization. He looked great and is doing amazingly well. While we were in Michigan, Doug's youngest sister Tracy was VERY sick with mono. She then had horrible stomach pains and went to the ER with them. Long story short, she had a softball-sized tumor on her ovary that was so heavy it flipped the ovary and cut-off the blood supply. She had the beginning signs of appedicitis, as well, so they took out the ovary, a fallopian tube and her appendix (appendix was precautionary). Since her surgery, she had some fevers but they have since gotten better. She shouldn't have any problems in getting pregnant, as she still has one very healthy ovary. (So many people have mentioned that their friend only has one ovary and they've gone on to have numerous children). She had to spend Thanksgiving in the hospital, but was treated very well while she was there. Her husband Tim works in the hospital where she stayed. We visited the hospital with the kids, who did really well and hopefully didn't wear Aunt Tracy out too much.
Doug continues to search for a job, but is doing some freelance work on the side, in the meantime. God continues to provide for us in every way necessary, and above what we imagined.
So, I say all of that to say that this year, more than ever, I realize that Thanksgiving and all other holidays are about spending time with family and cherishing the time we have together.
While in Michigan, Ava and Liam enjoyed tickles from Grandpa Dean, enjoyed touching Grandpa Carey's beard, Ava liked doing puzzles with Grandma Carey, enjoyed playing at Grandma Pam's house (and plugging in the Christmas tree with every visit), liked getting "picked-up" and hugged by Aunt Sherry, making chocolate cupcakes with Grandma Dolly (Ava says "Grandma Dolly helped me make cupcakes, Mommy!" ;-)). Liam also enjoyed snuggling with Grandma Dolly, playing with blocks, trucks and cars.
We are so thankful our family members are all healthy and well. We send our love to you all and wish you the happiest of seasons together with your family!
Peace, love and stuffing,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
This year we went up to Michigan to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. I worked from MI for some of the days while Doug watched the kidlings. I took vacation days for the remainder of our trip, which was nice. It's never enough time that we get to spend with family and friends in Michigan. We did get to: celebrate Thanksgiving with the Careys, with the Griffiths, with the Lawsons, visit with friends.
My sister and Mom have a Black Friday tradition of shopping for Christmas presents in the wee hours of the morning. So, I joined in on the fun and we marked some things off our Christmas list together.
It was the first time we had seen my Uncle Danny since he had a heart catherization. He looked great and is doing amazingly well. While we were in Michigan, Doug's youngest sister Tracy was VERY sick with mono. She then had horrible stomach pains and went to the ER with them. Long story short, she had a softball-sized tumor on her ovary that was so heavy it flipped the ovary and cut-off the blood supply. She had the beginning signs of appedicitis, as well, so they took out the ovary, a fallopian tube and her appendix (appendix was precautionary). Since her surgery, she had some fevers but they have since gotten better. She shouldn't have any problems in getting pregnant, as she still has one very healthy ovary. (So many people have mentioned that their friend only has one ovary and they've gone on to have numerous children). She had to spend Thanksgiving in the hospital, but was treated very well while she was there. Her husband Tim works in the hospital where she stayed. We visited the hospital with the kids, who did really well and hopefully didn't wear Aunt Tracy out too much.
Doug continues to search for a job, but is doing some freelance work on the side, in the meantime. God continues to provide for us in every way necessary, and above what we imagined.
So, I say all of that to say that this year, more than ever, I realize that Thanksgiving and all other holidays are about spending time with family and cherishing the time we have together.
While in Michigan, Ava and Liam enjoyed tickles from Grandpa Dean, enjoyed touching Grandpa Carey's beard, Ava liked doing puzzles with Grandma Carey, enjoyed playing at Grandma Pam's house (and plugging in the Christmas tree with every visit), liked getting "picked-up" and hugged by Aunt Sherry, making chocolate cupcakes with Grandma Dolly (Ava says "Grandma Dolly helped me make cupcakes, Mommy!" ;-)). Liam also enjoyed snuggling with Grandma Dolly, playing with blocks, trucks and cars.
We are so thankful our family members are all healthy and well. We send our love to you all and wish you the happiest of seasons together with your family!
Peace, love and stuffing,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
Monday, November 16, 2009
Jay and Sarah Collins' Wedding
We've been part of the same small group at church for 10 years now. Jay and Sarah Collins are also part of the group. They are like family to us... we see them more often than family, in fact! Ava is smitten with Mr. Jay. We were honored when they asked if Ava would be the flower girl in their November 14, 2009 wedding. Ava was also a flower girl in Aunt Tracy and Uncle Tim's wedding on October 10th, so she had a little practice before the Collins / Lanning wedding. :-)
Ava did REALLY well! She walked down the LONG aisle all by herself, scattering flowers along the way. She did well during the ceremony, too. It was a long ceremony for a three year-old to stand still through, but she did SO WELL!
Doug and Liam ended-up heading out into the lobby during the ceremony, as Liam was getting a little bit "squirrely". After the wedding, I ended-up taking Liam out to the car and driving home. He was wiped out! Doug and Ava stayed for the church wedding reception. Later that night, we all went together to the reception at Sugo's for close friends and family. It was a fun weekend.
We're so happy for Jay and Sarah, and wish them an eternity of happiness!
Peace, love and flower petals,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
Ava did REALLY well! She walked down the LONG aisle all by herself, scattering flowers along the way. She did well during the ceremony, too. It was a long ceremony for a three year-old to stand still through, but she did SO WELL!
Doug and Liam ended-up heading out into the lobby during the ceremony, as Liam was getting a little bit "squirrely". After the wedding, I ended-up taking Liam out to the car and driving home. He was wiped out! Doug and Ava stayed for the church wedding reception. Later that night, we all went together to the reception at Sugo's for close friends and family. It was a fun weekend.
We're so happy for Jay and Sarah, and wish them an eternity of happiness!
Peace, love and flower petals,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
Ava at the rehearsal, holding Miss Laura's hand (maid of honor)
The wedding rehearsal
Flower girl Ava and Laura, the maid of honor
Taking a break during rehearsal
Rehearsal
The rehearsal
The rehearsal. Ava wouldn't walk back down the aisle with the ring bearer, so the maid of honor and best man (Jay's Dad) all walked down together.
Shelly, Melissa Baillairge and Ava at the rehearsal dinner. Ava was a party animal! She really enjoyed her strawberries and chocolate and stayed up WAY past her bedtime. ;-)
Friends at the rehearsal dinner. Jeremy and Spencer Duncan came in from Nashville for the rehearsal / wedding. Marsha drove down for the wedding with Preston and Aidyn the next day.
Fast friends: Ava and Spencer
Shelly and Ava at the rehearsal dinner
Shelly, Anna Fletcher and Melissa Baillairge
Ava enjoying her strawberries and chocolate.
Kelly Martin (Jay's sister), Anna Fletcher and Melissa Baillairge
Ava, Jay and Spencer
Shelly and Doug at the rehearsal dinner. Doug cut his hand with a box cutter while working on a project. They glued his incision and gave him a split to help it heal more quickly.
The happy couple at the rehearsal dinner.
Kenyon and Anna Fletcher
The flower girl before performing her duties.
Sarah, while getting ready for the wedding
Beautiful flowers!
It's official! I love Jay's face in this one.
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Collins, after exchanging vows.
Ava, right after the wedding
Ava and Shelly at the wedding reception. Blurry, but proof we were there. :)
And the professional pictures (although some were scanned low-resolution).
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Neighborhood Trick-or-treating 2009
Happy Halloween, everyone!
We ventured out to go trick-or-treating with the kids in the neighborhood on Halloween night. It was misting / raining on and off.
This was Liam's second year trick-or-treating. This was Ava's third year.
Here are the kids from our court, ready to head out. Matthew (a Pittsburgh Steeler), Olivia (Joan of Arc), and Ava (a bat ballerina). Liam wasn't as interested in standing for the picture, but he did sneak into one of the pictures below.
We went to both courts in our neighborhood. After going to the houses in our sub, we decided to venture up the hill to Bob and Ena's house, and the two newer houses on the south side of the street. I think we were probably their only trick-or-treaters!
By the end of the night, the kids were tuckered out, so we headed home. It was a fun time with the neighbor crew!
We ventured out to go trick-or-treating with the kids in the neighborhood on Halloween night. It was misting / raining on and off.
This was Liam's second year trick-or-treating. This was Ava's third year.
Here are the kids from our court, ready to head out. Matthew (a Pittsburgh Steeler), Olivia (Joan of Arc), and Ava (a bat ballerina). Liam wasn't as interested in standing for the picture, but he did sneak into one of the pictures below.
We went to both courts in our neighborhood. After going to the houses in our sub, we decided to venture up the hill to Bob and Ena's house, and the two newer houses on the south side of the street. I think we were probably their only trick-or-treaters!
By the end of the night, the kids were tuckered out, so we headed home. It was a fun time with the neighbor crew!
Peace, love and sweet treats,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
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