Inspiration for faith and hope

I've been reading Audrey's story for months online. It has touched me and inspired me. It has also reminded me that our ultimate purpose here on earth is to glorify our Heavenly Father. It is not our will be done, it is His. This video sums up the story. I would encourage all of you to listen to it. You can also check out the blog itself at: www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com

Smith Family Story from Matthew Singleton on Vimeo.

Visit with Grandma and Grandpa Blanchard

This weekend we had a wonderful visit with Pete's parents. We had perfect weather, good food, and a happy baby! They came in Friday night and we all enjoyed a spaghetti dinner. Pres loves spaghetti and Pete and I have found that it is a great company dinner. He will quietly sit and eat (play) with the noodles and we are able to socialize. Pres wasn't too sure who these silly people were, so he spent the rest of the evening checking them out.

Saturday was a nice relaxing day hanging out at the house. Dick and I left Susan, Pete, and Pres for some bonding time and headed to my favorite specialty store Petty's Meat Market. I love it there! Yummy gourmet food, a snobby sommelier, and free drink and food samples-there's nothing not to like! We picked out some great food and were able to try some good red wines. It is during our wine tasting that Dick and I encountered a funny situation. The sommelier was in the process of explaining the wine we were tasting. Dick was litening intently(or appeared to be), and I was just really enjoying the wine; I'm not too interested in the explanation, first of all it is hard to understand the man's thick French accent and secondly all I need to know is if I like the taste! During the explanation I noticed a older man bouncing up to us with a goofy grin on his face. He interrupts the sommalier in his explanation (big no-no for proud French men) and says, "I'd like some of the grapey wine." Hmmmmmmm...grapey wine. I was confused, I see Dick pause in his thoughts and the sommelier looks very confused so he replies, "ze grapey wine?" "Yes", the older man says, "the grapey tasting wine." "aaaaaaa ze... g-r-a-p-e-y wine???" the sommelier again replies with much confusion and a bit of disdain in his voice. It is at this point I have to turn around. I can't make eye contact with anyone or I am going to laugh so hard I just might snort! I missed the rest of the conversation, but it ended with the sommelier just giving up, taking out a cup, pouring what he had in it and handing it to the man. The man then takes a drink and says, "yes, this is the grapey wine." At this point, I did chuckle. I couldn't help myself. The man finally left and the look of the face of the sommelier was priceless. He was so relieved and a bit irritated!

Dick and I tasted a very good red wine and Dick treated us to some for our cook out. We finished up the rest of our shop uneventfully and headed home.

That night my parents and Pete's friend Joel came over to join in the festivities. We had london broil, mac salad, sauteed mushrooms, and corn on the cob! Yummy! We had a great time and it was so nice being a host to this group. Everyone chatted, took care of themselves and each spent time playing with Preston. (A big thanks to Joel for the stuffed bunny for Pres).

Sunday we had bagels and pastries for breakfast and said goodbye to the Blanchard duo. We had a wonderful time with them and can't wait until we see them again. Thank you both so much for making the drive to come and see us!

Birthday World

There is a place in Altamonte Spring here that is called Birthday World. It is a crazy, noisy place to hold your parties. Dyer's little friend at school had his birthday there, and Pres and I tagged along with he and Lynne to check it out. It is exactly what you would expect it would be...overpriced, a little smelly, lots of screaming children...a perfect place for the little ones.

Pres was a bit overwhelmed by the whole scene and I didn't know how he was going to do. It took him about 20 minutes to settle down, then he had a blast. They have an area for the little ones and he happily crawled around and let himself be jumped on by the biggest 1 year old I have ever seen!!!! Here are some pics from Lynne's phone (I forgot the camera)

Crossroads

Pete and I are standing at a crossroads for our future right now. We have a couple of different opportunities; each one will completely take our lives on a different course. We've been talking about them and going over the pros and cons of each. In the midst of all of this decision making, we've been doing the last of the remodel for our sweet little condo. Stress has now taken on a whole new meaning and let me tell you going without an operating kitchen for a month is not something I EVER want to do again!



(Here is a small sample of my "stress". Imagine all of this mess with an infant!)

Out with the old!
No sink!



This is where the stove should be!

No countertops or sink!

The tile work we have been doing.












In having said all of that, I am glad we got our feet wet with this small place. We've learned a lot about rennovating without losing our shirts and are looking forward to not being so green with our next purchase! The work here will be finished in another week, and our place goes from "FOR RENT" to "FOR SALE"! It is exciting and sad at the same time-especially since our next move will completely change our lives.

I've been thinking a lot about all of this upcoming change; while I am SO ready to move on, I am nervous at the same time. Today however, I was looking into the clear, big, blue eyes of my son and I realized that no matter what comes, we will be okay. He has come and made us a family. We will be leaving this home full of wonderful memories and lots of love! Who knows where we will be in the next three months, but with my two boys by my side,the support of my wonderful FF gals, and my family,I'm up for anything!

Just for Chrissy...

Now, my BFF has sent me an email letting me know I can "tell the whole world" officially that she is going to be a mom. My response to her was that we have the same circle of friends and we know each others' family...basically, who would I tell that didn't already know. Well...here I am telling all of the blog world the good news. Chrissy is going to be a mommy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah! I am so excited for her and Ryan. They have given Pete and I the great gift of friendship for over five years now! They are going to be wonderful parents. I love you both and can't wait for little L to come. (I hope she's a she so that Pres can have a wife alreay for him!)

Science Center Fun

Me, Dyer, and Pres

Pres playing in the water. He figured out REALLY fast that he could take those things out and put them in his mouth!

Pres playing in the new and improved toddler section. It was kind of boring before, now there is not only new carpet (Thank God for that one-see rest of blog for explanation) but lots of new activities!






Pete and I joined the Science Center. It gives me something fun to do with Pres during the week. He loves going and watching all of the other kids! We went this week and had a blast. His favorite part was playing in the water. Two weeks ago he didn't even want to stick his hand in the water; now he won't take his hands out of the water without a fight!

For some strange reason Pres is obsessed with floors. Any time any floors are carpeted, he spends minutes trying to grab at it and if he can't get it to lift up, he bends down and tries to lick it. It is SOOO gross. I guess this is what happens when you don't have any carpeting in your house?! I tell you this because much to my amusement and the amusement of those around me, Pres did his fun trick at the Science Center. He would sit and pick at the carpet, then yell at it for a minute, then finally bend down and lick it. I have no clue what the fascination is for him. I immediately pull him up and tell him ewww, all the while being so thankful that the carpet is new. This way only about a few thousand dirty feet have been on it! He soon tired of the carpet and began to enjoy the toys. It was lots of fun to watch him play and interact with the other children.

To my FF ladies

Just looking at this picture brings back memories!!!! Look how swollen my feet where! Yuck! Glad to not be the fat one in the group pic this year!!!!!








My dear, sweet friend in Christ is coming to visit me this month! Yeah A.K.!!!! I can't wait. Thank you to Cpt. K for having training duty and letting me borrow his wife!

Dear: my wonderful girlies,

It seems as if unbeknown st to us, we are starting a tradition. We will all come together again this summer to celebrate the coming of a new baby! You other two without any kiddies better watch out! Every time we all get together and pray, one of us ends up pregnant! I just booked my flight to STL and I am so excited. I'm also a little nervous as I am bringing Pres with me. Traveling on a plane with a baby by myself is a little daunting to me! Luckily I found nighttime flights and I was able to book a non-stop one out there. He should sleep the whole way. Needless to say, when we all get together if I am a little cranky, be patient with me. At least this time I will not be 8 months preggo and swollen like the Macy's Day blimp!!! We reserve that right to our dear C.L. for all of the preggo ickyness this year; although knowing her, she's still going to look like a model! I fully look to flying out to NH or NY for J.T.'s baby shower the next summer (I told you I was praying!)

As a bonus, I get to spend time with C.L.'s wonderful family. They are always so kind to me. I can't wait to see everyone and spend time with you all. We are going to make such a crowd when you add in C.L.'s sisters!!!!!!

Love to you all!
April