13 years

Thirteen years ago today Cary and I met.  There are many things I will never forget about that day, like what I wore, what I was doing when I saw him for the first time, his very first question to me.  And then I look at all the life we've created in these thirteen years.  I may not remember all of that, but I can recall many, many things and there is one recurring theme through all these memories...HAPPY AND LOVED.

Now more than ever I feel like God has blessed me by that funny, awkward moment the day after Valentine's Day, 1999.  Loving life...

Lynn

How '90's is this???

Love me some Project Runway...

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LUUUUUUUUUUUUVVVV Project Runway. I've watched every.single.episode from the premier. I've adored Tim Gunn, Michael Kors, Heidi & Nina forEVER....and have definitely had my favorite designers (and some I felt need not be on the show at all) through the years. So, one can only imagine the sheer joy I felt when my Mom called me and explained that 'some designer named Anthony from some show about fashion' was coming to Terre Haute for the annual Style Show put on by my sorority.

Seriously, honest to crap...nearly peed my pants.

No way.

ANTHONY WILLIAMS??????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LUUUUUUUUVVVVV HIM!

I think my voice reached that high octave that is specifically reserved for either utter panic or disbelief. Maybe both!

Well, that was July.

This is now...

I met him.

I talked to him. A lot.

I even jumped up and asked him a question during intermission in front of the entire audience...and he called me 'GO GEOUS'. OH yes. In that wonderful Alabama meets Atlanta accent he is so well known for. I think he even had a pretend hair toss in there too...ahhh, I love him. He's awesome.

I would say he is one of my top 5 designers - if not #1 - of all 8 seasons so far.

It was fabulous to have him there.

All he talked about was "Reeeed Lobsta" and the sisters from the hosting chapter took him to Red Lobster afterward. They were there for four hours.

I won't lie.

I totally stalked him.

I made Cary drive there...I wanted to go in so badly, but I wondered what kind of line I would be crossing.

Freaky celebrity stalker?

Ehhh, whatev!

Awesome day, awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn

Anniversary #6 and a Build & Grow Clinic!

Happy Anniversary to US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This evening we had a lovely date night at my favorite local restaurant, Louise's. Delish! Afterward we shared some coffee at Starbucks. We had a great evening just being together!

It has been 6 awesome years and I am so happy to be Mrs. V. I love being married - especially to Cary, not that I have anyone to compare the whole experience to - hahahahaha! I am so thankful and grateful every second of every day to have Cary in my life. He is an amazing husband, an unbelievable father and just a good man...period. So, cheers to us for 6 years! Time sure is flying by, so you KNOW we're havin' fun!

Back track to this morning! McKinley and I hit Lowe's for another fun Build & Grow Clinic, how fun was this? McKinley really enjoyed creating this piece because he did a lot of it on his own. I still guided him with the instructions, but he is able to hammer the nails into place and is even anticipating the next step. He loves this - I mean, look at that smile - and I feel very lucky that we have found such a cool thing to do - and free! Heck yeah!

Happy, Happy day!

Lynn

A Grand Day!

Today was just plain awesome.

Cary was off all weekend and T.H. had some big things in store for the Vernon fam! Friday we had a little road trip planned, just some nice quiet time in a favorite little city...but Saturday was BIG!

Today was the GRAND OPENING of the T.H. Children's Museum, the T.H. Street Fair AND the farmer's market! We hit all three! Early in the morning we began at the outdoor festivities around the Children's Museum - because the line was so stinking long! Soon, we were pretty hungry for lunch, so we walked to George's Cafe for my new favorite veggie sandwich - a Lebanese grilled cheese - falafel, hummus & gyro! OH YEAH! That was insanely delicious and I cannot wait to go back!

After lunch we headed back and hit the street fair and the kiddie games, McKinley had so much fun. We walked around the farmer's market, inside clabber girl, and took a horse & wagon ride with our favorite guy...and Bud, the horse. SO FUN!

Finally, we were brave enough to go for the still-way-too-long line at the Children's Museum. This line literally wrapped around the block. Cary and McKinley entertained themselves with ice cream, a hay maze, a bio-fuels truck and face painting while I stood in line...hmmm...what's wrong with this picture? Just kidding! I didn't mind a bit because I get McKinley and all the fun to myself EVERY Saturday, it's the best thing EVER for me (and McKinley!) when Cary gets a chance to do it. They had a great time...and I'll admit that I had a little tear in my eye when I looked at my boys, both smiling ear-to-ear and laughing together and making amazing memories.

At last we were inside the museum and off we went! Three hours later we were exhausted, hot and our ears were ringing from the ridiculous amount of people! It was great! McKinley loved everything. I loved it when McKinley and Cary made it count when they took a silly photograph to commemorate the day. There was a tree house, a race ramp, a giant dinosaur, digging, ball launching, mechanical pony rides...and the most awesome WATER TABLE!!!!!!

After all that fun we were starving again! So, we again walked to more of downtown's yummy offerings. Pizza at Wise Pies! It was the perfect way to wrap up our tour of downtown. We dined al fresco and even got to see one of McKinley's classmates and her family!

We will all sleep well tonight. What a fantastic weekend and a wonderful thing to see come to fruition for T.H. Awesome!

Lynn

Back for more...

apples, that is. Yesterday the three of us headed for Anderson Orchard for our second visit...with many, many more to come I'm sure. We pulled up the gravel drive to the huge open barn and I could just feel any leftover stress just melting away. Once inside the barn we ordered two apple slushes (to die for...delicious) and two nut-crusted caramel apples before we headed out for some u-pickin'. We sat down and all devoured our little treats - it was MUCH warmer than it was the last time we'd visited in the Fall of last year, but it was a gorgeous day.

We piled in the car and began our drive through the HUGE orchard, choosing the red raspberries first.

McKinley designated himself as the holder of the raspberry bucket, which held true during the entire visit, we all dove into the bushes (though carefully...STICKERS!). I'm pleased to report that we scored 2 and a half pounds of gorgeous, ripe red raspberries. The bushes went on for what seemed like miles. Acres and acres, rows and rows of raspberries!

Soon we were back in the car driving through the orchard, trying to choose our apple varieties. We chose Galas, Honey Crisps and Mollies Delicious. And were they good? WOW. We each sampled an apple - who can resist? - and took turns picking some of these beauties.

McKinley loved twisting the apples on their stems and giving them a gentle pull. We ended up with a full peck of apples! What a steal at $7...I'll pay that for the stress-removing qualities of the entire experience alone!

Once we were finished, we headed back to the barn for a GIANT (seriously...GIANT...2 feet long) watermelon and some popping corn and a promise to return very soon for some wonderful pumpkins! ...and probably more apples....and raspberries!

This was the perfect way to spend the afternoon with my family.

Lynn

P.S. Below: McKinley's own photography! Not bad, eh?!

I HEART DATE NIGHT

...especially when they involve sitting (or standing) next to my handsome hubby while John Mayer serenades me.
Yes, he was serenading me...
and about 25,000 other people too, but who's counting?
Wow! We had the BEST time. How refreshing!

This was his best concert EVER. People are talking about it all over the country already! I am so glad that we had the opportunity to be there, much less be as close as we were! Once again I was shocked to learn that still photography is permitted --- after I left my camera in the car, not wanting to risk having my precious keepsake taken away. Well, dang. I missed some fabulous opportunities to photo John Mayer while he made his guitar sing like no one else can. He played his guitar behind his head. He played his guitar on the ground. He played his guitar practically upside down. And it was incredible.

He had real conversations with members of the audience. He made FUNNY jokes, he signed autographs on tour t-shirts and threw them into the crowd, he joked about his repeatedly reopening fly! It was such a great night!

I am (and will be) kicking myself for not having the camera...next time and I won't forget!

Thank you, Cary for a wonderful evening!

I love you!

Lynn

Two Strawberry Festivals in one week!

It's June in Indiana, which typically means RIPE STRAWBERRIES!!!!!!!!!! YUM!!!!!

This year, Cary found an 'extra' strawberry festival for us to attend...in nearby Rosedale. On Saturday, we visited the fest along with Nonna. We were all served up a HUGE portion of yummy goodness. McKinley was really more interested in the band setting up and all the people around (in true people-watching style...it must be inherited. I can think of a few people in his immediate family who love doing just that). At this festival there was a special selection of kiddie rides, McKinley chose to ride the ponies. Honestly, I'm pleasantly surprised at how easily he has taken to the riding and feeding of ponies and donkeys lately!

This evening was the Terre Haute Strawberry Festival...and when I think of that, I think of this post from 2008: McKinley's very first. Awww, cuteness! Our baby!

This time around our boy is a little older and accompanied by his buddy, Savannah! Thanks for the invite, Semmler's!

McKinley and Savannah didn't pay much attention to the festival's namesake - though I must say I enjoyed that shortcake! Instead, they wanted to play! When they each saw the horse and carriage rides they were awestruck. So, we left Cary, Rick and Austin on the ground while Robin and I took the kids for a ride. McKinley and Savannah got to sit up front with the 'driver???' for half of the ride and I don't think he was quiet for more than a second! As we passed by all the familiar surroundings he happily pointed out the fire station, the Indiana Theater, where we had just been the day before, our car, and even the red lights...all while holding Savannah's hand! Too cute. Savannah quietly enjoyed the ride and tolerated McKinley's tales of their adventures together. They were pretty darned precious sitting up there together. Rick took a photo of them sitting atop the wagon, I'm planning on getting a copy of that pic...it's too cute to not have!

After chatting with friends, devouring the shortcake (dessert before dinner??? WHY NOT?!) and taking our little downtown ride, we all walked over to Wise Pies, the new downtown pizza place. Everything was yummy and the company was great, as always!

And so begins the Festival Season!

Lynn

BIG BOY ROOM!!!!!!!!!! Part 1

This weekend marks a BIG milestone in McKinley's life...and ours as well. Our boy is now in a Big Boy BED...and got a new Big Boy ROOM to boot!

Several weeks ago we purchased the new big boy bed but were fiddling around trying to decide when the 'right time' was to make the big change. We'd talked it up enough --- and perhaps waited long enough --- that I'm proud to report the big switcheroo was a rousing success!

Cary and I set out in the morning to simply set up the bed and move the crib (***sniff, sniff***) to storage. Well, mid-big boy bed construction Cary and I looked at each other and said...frankly, this would be better suited in the playroom! So, insert Plan B.

Plan B consisted of quite a bit more work but the end result was well worth it. The next few hours we scurried around moving EVERYTHING in the Playroom AND in the Nursery OUT and switching it back...all but the crib. When we were finished the Big Boy Room and slightly smaller Playroom end up being just the right fit for everyone!

I haven't been feeling well for a little while, but soon I will be doing well again and as soon as I am...we're painting! I just didn't feel like it, but it still looks great.

I am so proud of McKinley. We both are! The very first night Cary and I totally held our breath...we understood the question most parents end up asking is NOT, "Will he get out of bed?" but "How many times will he get out of bed?" After 10 minutes, we just looked at each other, not even wanting to jinx ourselves. After 20 minutes, we were absolutely wide-eyed. After 30 minutes, I dared to check the stautus of our Big Boy...he was sound asleep!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Moly! Every night since has resulted in the same thing. It truly reassured me that not only were Mommy & Daddy ready to let go of our beautiful, serene nursery, but McKinley was absolutely ready for the brand new BIG BOY ROOM!

Congratulations McKinley! Mommy & Daddy are so very, very proud of you!

No photos of the Big Boy Room just yet...not until it is finished. Instead, in honor of that beautiful nursery where our beautiful baby boy rested his head...a few of my favorite things from the peaceful room.

We finished the nursery about two months before McKinley was born. When the chair and ottoman were delivered, Valentine took permanent residence. Here, here last morning nap in the room. I'm pleased to report she has relocated along with the contents of McKinley's room and now sleeps happily at the foot of the Big Boy Bed.

I remember every detail of what went into this room...painting, measuring and taping for the lovely stripes, antiquing the shelves, finding every little memento that sat in this room for 3 years. I'll never forget the day I found the Little Prince Pail. I think passers-by probably felt sorry for the poor, crazy pregnant lady talking to herself about a bucket. The Little Prince Pillow was a surprise find very soon after discovering that we had a BOY. The St. Benedict Medal was a gift given to us while I was in labor...directly from the Vatican, blessed by the Pope. The Willow Tree Angels, one a gift to Cary on his first Father's Day, the other a gift from my friend Jodi. Every heart felt detail that went into this room made it my favorite room in the house...favorite room we have ever done! And if you know us, you know that every room in our house has been renovated or redecorated AT LEAST twice! When I was pregnant I would go in the room, put my feet up and just calmly rest. After McKinley was born, I would occasionally go in just to smell that beautiful baby scent and literally bask in the serenity. I remember the first time we lay McKinley in his crib...he looked so tiny and the crib so big. I remember playing on the floor with him. I remember the first time we really looked into each other's eyes and saw Mommy & Son.

This room has been magical to me.

I know Cary feels the same way.

For a long time I was so sad at the thought of having to paint over those beautiful walls...and still I'm nervous at best, but now I know that McKinley adores his new digs and that room will be just as special!

So, to our Big Boy, bring on the milestones!

Preschool & Potty Training, here we come!

Lynn

A Little Dirt Won't Hurt

I believe I have previously posted about the Terre Haute Community Garden and my cousin, Judie's involvement in it as a charter member. Well McKinley enjoyed visiting and playing in the garden last year, so this year she again signed up for two fun plots for all of us to use together. We have been so very busy and have only had a chance to visit once when we planted some great veggies and herbs. In the meantime, taking a cue from Family Fun Magazine, McKinley and I set out to make these adorable plant markers/garden stakes. Ours vary slightly from the magazine's, but I think they turned out perfect! Instead of using old caps (because our local recycling places do not accept caps, so we have to throw them away) we used craft foam, milk jugs and flower picks (in place of floral wire...which definitely stands up better to the Indiana elements than the flimsy floral wire as suggested by the mag).

We finally finished enough of the stakes to take a nice bunch of them out to the garden...and how cute they are peeking out, like little colorful bees, from the dark dirt and green plants! McKinley definitely felt a sense of accomplishment and pride in seeing the plants grow and putting our cute little stakes beside them. At the end of our time there today we even discovered a little friend among the beautiful lettuce: a sweet little ladybug (look closely in front of my fingers!). If you know me, you know I love ladybugs and think of them as a little sign from God that my grandparents and my Dad are watching over me from heaven. There's a whole history to this - including the day Cary proposed, the two ladybugs that were resting on our car when we got back in...they were watching! Anyway, today I'm sure that was my Dad. It has been a wonderful time lately...which I will share soon, but it was my sign that he was there, was happy for us and would always watch over whatever we do! Deep for a little ladybug...humor me.

We have a few more stakes to make and a few different plants to get in the ground, but all in all, today was a great learning experience for McKinley --- and fun too! Not to mention the fact that there is a railroad crossing nearby and a train passed while we were toodling in the garden! I have a feeling I'll never have to beg him to go there...

Aside from the Community Garden, together Cary, McKinley and I planted a few things in our own back yard. A few posts down from this one (back in April, I think) we started some seeds together. They quickly sprouted and threatened to take over my kitchen, so out they went! We are eagerly watching a few sunflowers, a couple of watermelon plants and an already vining pumpkin take off for our viewing pleasure. McKinley LOVES to go check on his little plants, where we also placed some of our little bee markers so one wouldn't forget where they were when mowing/weed eating.

Can't wait to see the yummy goodness we reap from this year's garden!

Lynn