My "Gem" - Baltimore, MD - July 2011

I caught myself thinking last night "I wonder if I'll ever run another marathon now that I'm a mom. I mean when is there time to go running, I don't have a jogging stroller, It's more important for the Hub to have time to work out while I watch the Monkey or get dinner ready, I wish I'd just run one more..." I mean I was really lamenting the loss of the races I could have/would have/should have run.

I read this this morning and it really put me in a better state of mind. Not to say that working out, being healthy, and having goals isn't important, but WOW, look what I've gained! Look at my little "Gem"...

Motherhood: My Only Gems

“She came tonight as I sat alone, the girl I used to be…

And she gazed at me with her earnest eye and questioned reproachfully;

Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes that I had for you?The career, the splendid fame, and all the wonderful things to do?Where is the mansion of stately height with all of its gardens rare?

The silken robes that I dreamed for you and the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad for I wanted her please with me…This slender girl from the shadowy past the girl that I used to be So gently rising, I took her hand, and guided her up the stair

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;That silken robe is my motherhood of costly simplicity.And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career I know

Is serving each day in these sheltered walls for the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, she smiled through her tears at me.

And I saw that the woman that I am now, pleased the girl I used to be.

- Author Unknown

Quoted in Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

Six Years Ago...

Six years ago I put on a beautiful white dress

and the Hub put on a handsome tuxedo.

Six years ago, we met at the end of the aisle in front of our family and friends.

Six years ago, I married my best friend!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

Happy Father's 2nd Day - Baltimore, MD -June 2011

To the best Dad in the world...

Happy Fathers Day!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

Baltimore by Day... Paris By Night... - Baltimore, MD, - June 2011

I have dreamed of going back to Paris ever since I left. By Day I live a quiet life but by night I dream in French and long to step off the plane hand in hand with The Hub and experience this city all over again.

The eiffel tower, the arc de triomphe, Montmartre the winding cobbled streets of Paris’s last village, houses with shutter board windows and quaint 1930′s style cafes, and maybe we could vinture out for a day trip to the Palace at Versai.

The trip wouldn't nearly be complete without a drive up to experience the breathtaking sights that are

the Normandy D day beaches. Bunkers you can walk through with bullit holes still in the wall and untouched bomb craters so deep they would swallow you up.

This country made me love being an American, and taught me to respect the history that brought our two countries together. Oh how I long to go back to see it for the first time through my husbands eyes. His favorite author, David McCullough, has just released his newest master piece, The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris. A trip like this would be the perfect cap to Mr. McCullough's most recent work, don't you think.

And even if we don't win THIS TRIP we will get there.

Visit http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris There are 4 ways to enter. Give it a shot, if it's not me I'd LOVE it to be you!!!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

I "HEART" This Blog - Baltimore, MD - June 2011

I started reading blogs long before I started writing my own and over the years I've found a few that are pretty awesome. So I thought I'd share one with you this morning. For the most part I read blogs written by people I know, but this one is one of the few exceptions. I actually don't remember how I found her blog, but needless to say, I did, and I LOVE it!

Jones Design Company

Without sounding creepy and weird, she is super cute, has great style and design ideas, and I think if I knew her in real life we might be friends... Maybe...

Anyway the other day she posted about her own handwriting font...

How fun is that!

And for you closet voyeurs, she has done an Our Home series where she takes you on a tour of all the rooms in her house that she's designed. LOVE IT!

Check out her blog if you get the chance.

Happy Monday

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

A year Ago... - Baltimore, MD - May 2011

A year ago yesterday...

We took a train to meet our baby.

A year ago today...

This little lady stole our hearts.

A year from tomorrow...

We will love her even more than we do today.

Happy 1st Birthday Monkey!!!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

Meet "Mader" - Baltimore, MD - May 2011

Meet "Mader"...

Yeah, I know, you thought her name was Kitty Sticks, but she has an alter ego. She's a Super Villon. (Doesn't she look super villon-ish?)

Destroyer of all things tomato! LOOK OUT!!! She'll strike in the still of the night, or the broad daylight of the afternoon. Roma's or vine ripe, cherry or giant stake tomatoes she isn't picky. She doesn't discriminate. No counter is too high, no corner or cover can fool her. Once it crosses the threshold of the front door, no tomato is safe.

As we were preparing to plant this year's porch garden I ran across these pictures and thought they were too funny not to share. Hopefully we'll be able to keep this year's harvest safe!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!