My Three Valentines...

Today I took my Mom and my two LITTLE Valentines to the airport to drop Mom off for her next jaunt abroad.  When she was safely inside the airport McKinley and I were pretty hungry and I was sure Jackson would be ready for that bottle soon enough, so I decided it was time to try out my mother-of-two skills by having lunch, sit-down style.  I'm not big on drive thru food, and there are a plethora of our favorite quick food restaurants nearby, so let's do it!  Noodles & Company sounded perfect, McKinley sat across from me and used chop sticks with the chop stick helper for his Macaroni & Cheese.  Jackson was nestled beside me in his car seat carrier while I ate, then it was his turn.  The whole adventure went off without a hitch.  Hey, five and a half weeks post-partum?  Not bad! 

When we got home in the late afternoon I toodled around in the kitchen when all three of my boys came around the corner carrying a rose (okay, well, Cary was carrying Jackson's because he was asleep and he's only 5 weeks old...but still, it was a moment).  One red, one pink, one yellow.  And cards.  I've got more handsome Valentines than I did when I was 16 years old (and let me tell you...that was quite a year...).  I am completely surrounded by love...and loving it.

Tomorrow Cary and I celebrate 13 years together...it's amazing to look back on the beginning and to be living in the middle of a sweet little family now. 

I love my boys...all three of them!

Lynn

Fourth of July

In keeping with tradition, the Vernon fam, Douglas fam and Semmler fam all gathered at the roof of the parking garage for a cook out, some good times with good friends and a heckuva view of the city's fireworks. Except for one little thing...we couldn't GO to the roof! The new owners decided to close the roof off due to some seriously disgusting behavior. We quickly made do and made our own little tailgate area on the level below the roof. It worked well! We had yummy food, the kids had a blast playing together and the view was just as wonderful as always.

I brought along some glow necklaces for the kids and Robin brought some American flags, the kids loved their little goodies as they sat in the hatch of the Douglas' SUV or our truck bed.

When it came time for the fireworks I took a break and sat in the hatch myself, I needed a little break. I looked at my family and friends and realized just how much our lives have all grown since our first time on the roof. Every person in front of me had a child in their arms! Except me, which I pointed out, because it seemed so funny! Robin quietly reminded me that I DID have a child on my person, just as every one else...he or she just isn't here yet!

That's right, next year we will each have our own child to hold in our arms. How fun will that be?!?!

What an awesome 4th of July!

Lynn

A Big Cookie...

A while back the three of us were walking through the mall when Cary spotted a local Cookie store's display of VERY BIG special occasion cookies. He said, "You know, I'd take one of those suckers over a birthday cake ANY day"...consider the message banked.

With Father's Day fast approaching McKinley and I discussed ordering one of those bad boys. McKinley saw the golf green and HAD to have it for his Daddy! So, I made the order and strategically planned a Father's Day trip to the mall, citing some much needed Sears stop (hello, MAN STORE! I knew it would get him there - easy as pie!)

McKinley kept the little secret, taking his Dad by the hand and pulling him to the store. Cary had this BIG smile on his face and was happy...it made me teary. The sweet girl behind the counter had the giant golf cookie beautifully boxed and ready for us to walk out the door, so when I asked if we could borrow a knife and purchase some drinks it was no surprise that the look on her face was pure shock. I get it, it must be hard to watch someone butcher your creation but I knew there was no a chance in the world we were walkin' outta that little bakery without either of the men in my life sampling a few bites. Fits would ensue!

So, we parked it on the table and Cary and McKinley cut into their yummy treat, complete with milk! Luckily, I snapped a quick photo of them before the butchering began.

The cookie was a success...oh my was it good. Serious yum.

I hope that Cary had a really wonderful Father's Day and knows just how much he is loved and appreciated by his family. We had a lovely day and shared some fun activities and a really big cookie. Couldn't think of a better way to spend a Sunday!

Lynn

Year in Review

Unreal how quickly time passes as I get older...or, well, technically as McKinley gets older. I've noticed how much faster everything flies by when you have a child. We hold on to each morsel of time as best we can, and this year we have made some amazing memories, had our share of obstacles and enjoyed as much of life as we can.

What a big year it has been...once I was finally well in February (after a long haul of bronchitis)we had some renovating to do. A new HUGE and gorgeous window, a bath reno, a big boy room (sniff, sniff), a new playroom and paint, paint, paint...it looks pretty sweet! I'm proud of our efforts and our DIY-ish-ness (that IS a word...right?) More on the books for 2011...paint, paint, paint! hahaha! But below, our updated version of the post-Christmas playroom re-do. I LOVE how the PLAY hooks turned out, LOVE the new layout of the room (my smart hubby's idea!) and adore those stinking chairs. I recovered them myself, they were a vintage find, rusty and out of the 70's, I gave them new life after removing the rust and giving them a new cushion made of BASKETBALL! Who knew you could buy actual basket ball material???

We had some big festivities mid-year. McKinley was fabulous, best ring-bearer ever...I'm just sayin'. A fun little vacay to St. Louis with the Semmler Family - a total blast for us all and other trips in the works. McKinley's 3rd birthday and party, potty training and starting PRESCHOOL! This fall was packed (seriously...packed) with activities galore: field trips, our 6th wedding anniversary, Halloween and a party, DISNEY WORLD (which I proved I can talk about for days - see post below), Christmas program at school, and the best Christmas ever!

Tonight it is time to turn over a new leaf, see what 2011 brings us. So far it guarantees a milestone of 10 years as home owners, two ten year old cats, twelve years of Lynn & Cary, a four year old who is growing too fast and many other wonderful things, I'm sure.

To 2010, you gave us a run for our money in a few instances (late May was a major emotional challenge and we will never forget...), but we had a great one as always!

Happy New Year!

Lynn

P.S. My favorite family photo of 2010...Disney style! Well, okay...one of like 10 favorite...give or take.

Haute Holiday Happenings...

What a lovely evening to spend with my family! Tonight was the 2nd annual "Miracle on 7th Street" here in the Haute. After only hearing about it by chance, on the fly (like within 1 1/2 of the thing starting), Cary and I made our game plan and headed for the festivities.

First thing we did was watch Santa light the lovely tree at Crossroads Circle. (to whom it may concern...I'd kinda like to have a Haute Christmas tree re-do. Colored lights? No. No star/angel/tree topper? Needs one. And how about a giant unbreakable ornament or two? On the cheap? No one ever picked up our leaves as promised, so there has to be SOME unspent cash in the budget? And maybe can we throw in some Christmas Music and a Santa that...well...LOOKS like Santa? The Clabber Girl Santa is fab...)

After the tree lighting we zipped over to the Indiana Theater (an old favorite of mine, and even more beautiful with holiday decor) to hear the Terre Haute Childrens Choir sing beautiful carols. Nice!

We continued our trek through downtown, passing by the Swope, through the marketplace and by the Childrens Museum we ventured to Clabber Girl for some cookie decorating and treats. McKinley LOVED decorating his cookie and could not get enough sprinkles!

After Clabber Girl we walked back to the downtown boutiques and shops (which was like cookie decorating to me!). As we wrapped up our evening snow began lightly falling, promising a beautiful show in the morning. It was the perfect way to end the night!

Way to go Haute!

Next weekend, Clabber Girl Country Christmas!

Lynn

Happy Easter!!!

See that face? Pure joy. The Easter Bunny brought pure joy to our son's face this morning. Thank you, Easter Bunny, you made our boy's day! He was most thrilled with the goods left over night by the big-eared one. There was a Tag Jr, and books, some fun travel puzzles, dominos, stickers, a bunny mask, a little tiny Bunny Train and track, and a little bit of candy - including McKinley's very first Pez dispenser, which he ADORES.
The E.B. even took the time to hide our Easter Eggs in the back yard and even brought along some fun new 'eggs' a la Lightening McQueen, a big fave in our house.

My Mom was down for the count, so we headed out to visit family in Bloomington. McKinley had SO MUCH FUN rolling down Grandma Vernon's hill with his cousins - it was adorable, grass stains and all.

Soon we headed back to the Haute to visit with Mom, where we watched Toy Story together (a gift from my Mom to McKinley for Easter). The best part for me was knowing that Cary would be on vacation effective tomorrow. I so love having my hubby home with me and McKinley!

What a great Easter!
Lynn

EGGcelent Family Activities!

As unreal as it may seem, it is Easter Weekend. I'm shocked at how quickly it has crept up on us. Seriously! So, it is time once again to dye the Easter Eggs and hit the City Hunt!

Last night we did our Egg Dying - and how sweet was McKinley wanting to do it all 'myself'!!! He colored on several eggs, then we dipped them together. I wrote our names on 3 eggs, and into the bath they went! McKinley chose when each egg was 'done' or needed 'more' color, then together we set them aside to dry. He was so excited this year! What a big boy!

Today, it was time for the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt. I wasn't so sure we would return after last year's experience, but it's right around the corner and why not?! Right?! So, off we went! It was rainy and wet, so McKinley donned his favorite galoshes and an extra layer of clothing. I wasn't surprised that the turn out was not so great as last year - the rain took care of that, but there was still a big crowd! We got in line (after family friend and photographer for the newspaper took our pic), and waited. The waiting took MUCH longer than the actual hunt, but it didn't matter when I saw how giggly and happy McKinley was while hunting for the eggs. He scored quite a few and when we opened them we found that he won a little rubber bunny. While we were still there a staff member brought us an arm load of more eggs, where McKinley won a train whistle! He already has one, but hey! TRAINS! He loved it.

This evening we will go visit the Easter Bunny one last time before he visits our home this evening! Wonder what the Bunny will bring our boy?!?!

Lynn

McCutie & Lucky Girl

We Love Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics! Today my Mom and I took McKinley & Savannah to the clinic to build an adorable little tabletop basketball goal - it even keeps score! We got inside and settled and McKinley & Savannah wanted to wear their aprons. I caught the cutest photo of them sitting side by side, Savannah resting her head on McKinley's back. It was a darling moment! Soon, we opened our little project packages and got to work. The kids were so good and so eager to share the duties of 'banging' together, they even took a little 'snooze' break, pretending to nap while we finished up the project. Having two toddlers assembling a wooden project takes a little longer than the 'recommended' 7 and 8 year olds, so we were the last guests in the room. McKinley & Savannah were THRILLED when my childhood friend, Amanda (who happens to run the Build & Grow Clinics at our local Lowe's) asked them if they would like to help her put away the carpet squares and pick up any trash left over. They did such a great job and were a big help to Amanda!

After the Clinic, we headed off for a quick errand, to grab lunch and then meet up with Savannah's Mommy, Robin and her brand new baby bro, Austin for the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, near our home. Thankful to have that picnic blanket once again (man, has that thing come in handy), we spread the blanket down and let the kids sit to wait for the parade. They didn't sit long! Once the parade (and candy throwing) commenced, they were on their feet!
McKinley & Savannah were seriously STINKING cute in their matching shirts (McCutie & Lucky Girl) that I made, along with their green shirts, socks, head and neck gear. ADORABLE! Even Robin, Austin and I got in on the wearin' O'the Green!

The parade was a hit - much larger than last year, though it was really cool and my Mom spent most of the parade inside our car for warmth. The kids were too busy looking at all the floats, displays and CANDY to be bothered by the cool weather, they were having a blast! I'm amazed at how quickly they really caught onto the candy-catching. This morning, on the way out the door, I grabbed a little bag to put McKinley St. Paddy's Day garb in...it came in very handy as our designated candy bag. The kids were eager to throw their captured candy into the bag. At the end of the parade, we easily had between 8 and 10 POUNDS of candy - the bag was full, to the top!

Soon, the parade was over and it was time for Austin to eat and McKinley & Savannah to take a nap. It was a big day! Lots of fun with the kids, family and dear friends. I just wish Cary & Rick didn't have to work and could have joined us! Oh well, they reaped the candy rewards at least!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Lynn

Happy New Year!

Happy 2010!!!! We spent NYE with our friends, The Semmler's and we had a BLAST!

Robin's sister, her husband and their three children came over as well, together we all played Wii games, ate pizza and snacks and watched the ball drop. It was a great night!

I had some NYE hats, horns and noise makers, so I brought those for the kids as well as some really yummy sparkling apple juice. Robin provided the cutest champagne flutes for the kiddos, and as you can tell from the pictures - the night was a hit!

I'm happy to report I scored my midnight kisses - one from Cary and one from McKinley, respectively. McKinley's favorite part of the night was that sparkling apple juice...he continued to toast himself (lol) until we had to drag him to the car! ***Note: it really was sparkling apple juice...nothing more!

What a wonderful way to usher in a new decade!

Happy New Year!

Lynn

Below, Rick shows McKinley how to 'sit n spin', McKinley toasts the new year, McKinley toasts the New Year as his friends look on, McKinley toasts the new year, and...McKinley toasts the new year. You get the idea...

Christmas Recap, Year-end Review

Well, this is it! Tonight we bid farewell to 2009 and ring in a whole new decade!

I have spent the week of Christmas (and, frankly, every other week in December) sick as a dog...so this is a late post-Christmas recap.

This year, Christmas was a little more low key than usual - because of this crazy sickness, whatever it is. Christmas Eve was beautiful, we had Chinese for dinner (an annual thing...) and went to the beautiful mass. McKinley was so good sitting through the hour long service, and as usual, he loved going up to receive communion with Cary and I. This time, he even REALLY got into kneeling! It was so cute.

After Church we came back home for some egg nog (for McKinley) and coffee (for me and Cary) and drove through Deming Park's annual Christmas in the Park display (along with everyone else in Terre Haute). The LONG wait in bumper-to-bumper-at-a-crawl traffic was made magical by McKinley's audio book of 'The Polar Express'. It was wonderful.

We made it home just in time to finish decorating Santa's cookies. So we set out Santa's plate and cup (complete with those yummy cookies and milk) and threw in some PREMIUM M&M's for the reindeer. Do you know that the reindeer ate ALL of those M&M's? Santa ate everything too...clearly they were all hungry! Santa only left a few crumbs! We read "The Night Before Christmas" as we do every year then sent McKinley off to bed so Santa would come to our house! The bearded-one really came through. McKinley scored!

Plasma Car, Power Wheels Jeep, puzzles, DVD's, games for his clickstart computer, Shake n Go Race Cars, a guitar and microphone, an RC car...there was so much I can't even name everything! Soon, Nonna came over to visit and we were all playing the Wii. We spent the day being low key, which was so nice, and ended the day with the most precious Christmas Concert performed by McKinley. He played his new guitar and sang into the microphone a myriad of Christmas and Children's Classics: Jingle Bells (with a very rock and roll twist), ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and The Itsy Bitsy Spider to name a few.

I'm sure McKinley had wonderful dreams of Santa and his reindeer delivering all those wonderful presents. What a lucky boy. What a beautiful day to spend with my family.

Merry Christmas!

This time, my year end review is pretty simple. I'm still not feeling well and I've got much to do to get ready to send off '09 in Vernon Style. So, this year I just want to say how amazing it has been to be a wife, a mother, a daughter and a friend. I am thankful, so very very thankful, for everything and everyone who touches my life. This year our family has grown and changed in wonderful ways, met obstacles head on, and grown to love one another even more - if that's humanly possible.

I look forward to what a new decade brings our way.

Farewell 2009!

Lynn