Picnic for Aunt Paula

We know her as Aunt Paula, but most people know her as Delegate Paula Miller.

Brian's Aunt Paula is a Virginia State Delegate and therefore needs to raise a lot of funding for her campaign. One of the events she hosts every year is a golf tournament and community picnic. Unfortunately Brian did not have the opportunity to participate in the tournament this year, but we did make it out for the picnic. It was a wonderful time and wonderful food. We are so blessed to have Brian's Uncle George, Aunt Paula, and cousins Molly and Georgie living so close to us. Here are some pictures we took of Sierra attending her first "political" event! (obviously, she was more interested in her hands!) :)



Aunt Paula thanking everyone for attending and supporting her.

Aunt Paula and Molly passing out door prizes

Sunday Mornings

Sunday mornings are usually a little crazy for us. I almost always have to wake Sierra up before she is ready so that she can eat and get dressed for church. Well, yesterday morning, I woke her up, nursed her and then laid her outfit out for the day. I then passed her on to Brian with instructions to please get her dressed, so I could take a shower and get myself ready.

A little while later, the two of them come bopping down the stairs and I hear Brian say "don't you look so pretty in your dress." Needless to say, I had NOT picked out a dress for her to wear. Bottom line is...Daddy decided it was a perfect day for a dress; although it wasn't what I picked out, she did look adorable. Here is the outcome of Daddy getting Sierra dressed...

After church we went out for lunch. We hardly ever go out to eat and this was the first time that just the 3 of us had gone out to eat together as a family. Sierra snoozed through the meal (it was nap time) but Brian and I enjoyed one another as we ate lunch together. We found a little Italian eatery just down the road from us and it was very good. We talked about lots of things, especially how much we are going to miss each other this week when Sierra and I are in New York for 5 days. :( Brian is afraid Sierra won't remember him when we return. I am sure that is not going to happen though. She is definitely Daddy's little girl and here are some pictures to prove it...this is what a lazy Sunday afternoon looks like at our house...

Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

A couple weeks ago now (I know, I am behind on my posting), my cousin, Sissy flew in for a brief visit. She was on her way to Nags Head for a family vacation and her flight came into Norfolk. Sierra and I were so excited to pick her up and spend the day with her before she left for North Carolina. We had a blast hanging out and catching up. Sissy loved on Sierra and we went to the pool for a while in the afternoon. Sierra enjoys the pool so much and was so relaxed in Sissy's arms she dozed off to sleep - IN THE POOL!! It was hysterical!!!

We enjoyed dinner that night at Baker's Crust (one of my favorite places) and spent the evening hanging out some more and chatting. It was so fun to have Sissy here. We miss her and we are looking forward to seeing her and her husband, Rick, again real soon when we head back to New York! Thanks for coming and visiting Sis! We love you.

Also that same weekend, my brother and his Fiance, (Mike and Blakely) were in the beach area taking engagement pictures. They were able to stop by for a little while and see us and Sissy. It was a real treat to see them, our visits are too far and few between!

Enjoy the slide show of the fun, but brief, time Sierra got to spend with her Cousin, Aunt, and Uncle!

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4th of July Weekend

Fourth of July weekend was a total blast for us. Brian, Sierra, and myself loaded into the car (which was full of stuff...packing with a baby in tow adds about 3 extra loads to your trip). We left Thursday night after Brian worked and headed to Rochester, New York; where, by the way, it is cold year round, so that adds another 3 layers of clothing to your suitcase! :)

We arrived at Brian's Mom's and soon-to-be Step-Dad's house around 4:30am. Although the trip was long and half way through Sierra was sick and tired of being in her car seat, it was a good drive. Brian did most of the driving, thankfully I married a man that LOVES to be behind the wheel of a car!

After arrival we went to bed and woke up around 9 in the morning. We had a great breakfast and lunch at the house before heading to Gravel Ponds in Scottsville. Gravel Ponds is an RV resort where Brian's family spends all of their weekends in the summertime. We camped out with them the rest of the weekend there. It was so much fun! We love hanging out with the family, having cook-outs, going swimming, sitting by the fire, playing video games, and making s'mores. So much fun! It was Sierra's first camping trip and she was a trooper! She loves being outside and she slept like a champ in the camper with us. On Saturday night there was an hour long fireworks show and a humongous grand finale - all of which Sierra snoozed right through. Brian and I couldn't believe it! The fireworks were so loud, I could see the dog 10 feet away from me barking at them, but could not hear her bark! Needless to say, Sierra was a great sleeper for us all weekend. :) Everyone enjoyed seeing her, even though she is asleep a lot at this age; it seemed like (at least to them anyways) that she was always just going down for a nap, just getting up from a nap, or still asleep! :) When she was awake though, she was always being snuggled and having full conversations with everyone.

This past weekend, she finally met her Uncle Mark, Cousin Kim, and Cousin Robin. Her Great Aunt Connie and Great Uncle Frank, Great Aunt Ginny, and Grandpa Bob (maybe we will teach her to call him Pop, since we are going to teach her to call Grandma Judy - Nana - short "a" sound, as in BaNana). She also met good friends Mary and Jim.

On Saturday afternoon we were able to make a special trip over to Spencerport where she finally met her Great Nana and Great Papa! That was a special moment, they had been waiting all this time to finally meet Sierra. During that visit, she also met her Great Aunt Kathy, her Great Uncle Mike and Great Aunt Karin and we visited with Great Aunt Julie and cousin Rachel (they both met Sierra when she was 2 weeks old). Phew....it was A LOT of snuggles!!! After all those visits, now maybe I know why she slept through those fireworks, she was tired out!!! Sierra and I are headed back to NY this coming weekend where she will meet so many more people that love her!

Needless to say we had so much fun and wished we lived closer. Although, I personally thought it was freezing, getting down into the 50's at night; I wanted to crawl into the campfire! It was gorgeous all day though, sunny and high 70's. We had a blast swimming in the gravel pond and Sierra continues to love the water! Also, I had my first Nintendo Wii experience. I totally want my own one now! It is AWESOME!!! We played bowling and I beat Mark!!! Renee and I also played carnival games. I stunk at that, Renee kept beating me over and over again. Even still, it was so much fun and I have been pricing them on eBay ever since our return! :) Brian and Mark had a blast playing with Uncle Frank's "flying" plane. It didn't fly very much, but it was fun to watch. I got some video of them playing with the airplane and I took lots of pictures. Check out the slide show below.

Thanks to all of B's family for the great hospitality! We look forward to seeing you again real soon!!!

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Stay Tuned...

Here is the picture of the day...basically we are totally in love with our little girl that looks like a little doll. :)

Also, stay tuned...I have lots of blog posts I need to post about all that has been going on with us the past week. So much exciting stuff. God is really blessing us! I am hoping to have some "free" time this weekend to catch you all up to date!

Blessings to each of you.

PS - Thanks for all the warm wishes on our loss of Shadow. They are very much appreciated. Our hearts are healing.

3 Months

Sierra Rein is 3 months old today!
We can't believe how fast she is growing.

She is so precious to us and a blessing that we thank God for each and every day!
She is always smiling and such a joy to be around. She continues to be a great sleeper.
She is going to bed around 7:30 pm and she sleeps until 8 or 9 in the morning.
She is also still taking 3 naps during the day. We have not been to the doctor since she was 6 weeks old and won't go again until the end of this month; however, I did get on the scale with her the other day and she is weighing in around 12 pounds. I measured her too and she is measuring 24 inches. Thus putting her at 50th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height. Did I mention that she loves to talk? She will talk to just about anything and anyone. She loves to tell stories and she especially loves telling Daddy all about her day when he gets home from work. Her hair is falling out on top and on the sides, but getting longer in the back, she is definitely starting to sport a mullet! :) Her hair is also getting lighter and when the sun hits it, you can see all the blond highlights she has, it is fun to wonder what it is going to do as she grows.

Aside from all that, we think she is pretty perfect. Her growth and development continue to amaze us of God's blessings every day!

Sadness...

More Tributes to Shadow - Here and Here

I recently received the news that my dear friend Shadow passed away Wednesday. Shadow joined our family just before Christmas of my senior year in high school when he was only a few weeks old. He would have been 11 years old in October. His kidney's started to fail and we lost him today. My parents were both with him when he passed away peacefully.I still remember that cold December night that we brought him home. We saw a kennel full of pure-bred Collie pups. All the pups were jumping on us and begging for attention, except Shadow; he was sitting quietly in the corner of the kennel. My mom knew instantly that she wanted him - the quiet one! Shadow was anything but quiet after a few days in our house! He sat in my lap all the way home that night, shaking, still a little unsure about his new home and where he was going. I remember it like it was yesterday. He peed in my lap that night, and we became instant friends! He got his namesake from following us all around after we brought him home. He was always your little "Shadow" wherever you would go. I loved when I was living with my parents or would come and stay there, how he would climb up in bed with me and snuggle. He would always love to play with me and I could just clap my hands and really get him going (we usually got in trouble for that, cause Shadow would run circles around the house and cause a stir, which Dad never liked). He loved to go for walks and eventually he even learned how to spell the word! When I was still living with my parents, I would take him running with me and sometimes I would have to call my mom to come pick us up because Shadow never wanted to go home, he would walk for hours if you let him! And he loved to sit on the front porch or the driveway and keep a watchful eye on the neighborhood. Shadow was a special part of our family. He got new toys every Christmas and would even tear them open with his paws! Shadow was so sweet and always wanted love. He was protective too, if you needed help, he would always come running.

Mom and Dad will get his ashes from the vet in a few days and he will be buried out in the garden with Daniel's ashes. He will be missed greatly and visits to my parents house without my faithful companion will never be the same again. It saddens me to especially know that Sierra will grow up never knowing him and his sloppy kisses. Please remember my family in your prayers as we heal from this loss.




This was the last picture I took of him, just a few weeks ago when we were home for Father's Day. I miss him already!

Phew...

What a whirlwind weekend...I hope everyone enjoyed the long holiday weekend. We got in from NY around 12:30 am last night (this morning) and went to bed around 1:30 am. The house is a mess, we are exhausted, and the cats want lots of lovin'!!! We have another busy, eventful week this week as well, but I will try to post all the pictures from our fun family weekend soon.

Until then, here is our precious 12 week old munchkin sporting her "My 1st fourth" outfit! (Hat courtsey from Grandma Judy) :)

Congrats New Homeowners!

Congratulations to my sister and brother-in-law, Kirsten & Keith! This weekend they move into their new home and become new homeowners!

Click Here and Here to see a picture of the house and pictures of the painting project that took place a few weeks ago.

Sorry that we were unable to help with the painting and the moving process. But we are so very much looking forward to the housewarming party!!! :) Can't wait to see the new home.
Love you both so much!!!

Romantic Evening Out

On Monday night, for our 1 year wedding anniversary, Brian and I celebrated aboard the Spirit of Norfolk dinner cruise. It was a wonderful, romantic evening.

We had a first class seating which allowed us to board early and we were seated at a small table for two right by the window. There was a dozen red roses on the table and we were given a special appetizer platter with hor'dourves and fruit. We also ate salad, shrimp cocktail, and a bountiful buffet. We were given a platter of assorted sweets for dessert and we sampled a couple of their specialty drinks. We also received a photo of us as we were boarding and two signature drink glasses. We got the VIP treatment package!!!

It was an amazing time spent with the most amazing man! We enjoyed a great show, a beautiful sunset, and fun sights of the Navy fleet. Brian and I even dusted off our dance shoes and danced to a couple songs. It was wonderful! ...and NO, we did not leave Sierra in the closet with a bottle....our very good friend Jenny offered to come and stay with Sierra while we enjoyed our night out. Jenny was so wonderful to do that for us. We were blessed all around that evening! :)
Here are some pictures to share...

Kate & Pierce come to visit!!!

What a wonderful time we had last week with my sister, Katie and my nephew, Pierce. We went to the zoo, the pool, the beach, the mall, and the playground. Kate and I had many wonderful "girlie" chats and we even found some time for crafts! It was a blast. I can't wait to see them again soon. Maybe next time my brother-in-law can come with them too. Here is a slide show that Kate put together of our few days with one another.

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Coop Cup

As some of you may remember, my childhood friend, Clint Cooper was diagnosed with a brain tumor not too long ago. The tumor is labeled Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade III, the same type of tumor Daniel was diagnosed with in June of 2005.

Clint had brain surgery back in March and just recently finished 6 weeks of radiation therapy and oral chemotherapy. The treatment thus far has been very successful and Clint feels wonderful given the circumstances. They, (and I say they, because his caregiver and fiance, Amanda is going through this just as much as he is), will continue with chemotherapy over the next several weeks. They will continue to also get follow-up scans to monitor the tumor and the therapy progress. I request your prayers for both Amanda and Clint as they continue to fight this battle and plan for the happiest day of their lives - their upcoming wedding day! :)

In order to raise funding and awareness for cancer research some friends are putting together and hosting a golf tournament in July. For those of you in the Rochester, New York area that might be interested in either playing in the tournament or helping out (they need many volunteers) check out the Coop Cup website and consider helping this great cause. Also, for those of you not in the area, check out the website and consider making a donation towards this cause.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Here is a recent picture of Clint & Amanda....

One Year filled with Blessings

One year ago today, Brian and I read the vows that we had written to one another. Vowing to love, cherish, support, pray for, and honor one another, until the Lord calls us home.

What a wonderful celebration it was!!! Truly blessed by God and designed by His hand. I am so blessed to call Brian my husband and now to watch him as he grows into a wonderful father for our precious little girl.

The year previous had been so trying for me. After losing Daniel, I never thought I would have the ability to love again. I didn't understand what God was doing when Brian stepped back into my life. I spent much time in prayer and weeping to the Lord, feeling as though I was hurting so many people by falling in love again. The Lord assured me this was what He wanted for my life and I am so glad I listened. Brian is the most amazing husband! I truly am "Blessed beyond Measure".

Lord, Thank you for Brian and his wonderful love! Thank you for his leadership in our home and for the faith that he has. I pray that we will only continue to have many more years together, blessed by you!

AMEN!

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Last Morning

Our last morning together, Sierra gets a wake up call (and good morning kisses) from cousin Pierce.
What a great week we had! So many adventures and blessed moments together. I am sad our time together has come and went. I have so many pictures to share. I will create a slide show over the next few days and hopefully post it soon. Now back to a very quiet house....

Wordless Wednesday

By far, the best picture of the day!

Out of Blogging...

I might be out of the blogging world for a little bit this week. My sister Katie and my nephew Pierce are coming on Monday to visit us for a few days. To say the least, I am SUPER excited! Being the social girl that I am, I love having people around. I have not found a Mom's group yet, so during the day, I get a little stir-crazy with no one to talk to or hang out with. Not to say that I don't LOVE hanging with just Sierra, but at this age, adult interaction is a bit more appealing to me.

Also, I just love sister time and my nephew is the best kid in the world (sorry all other Mama's out there). I love playing with him and doing fun things. At 18 months old, he is so curious and he loves to learn new things - totally my element, hence the pursuit of a teaching degree! :)

This upcoming week we have plans for the zoo, the beach, the pool, the playground, (probably the shopping mall :)), photo shoots, fun, fun, fun, and above all fellowship! Can you tell I am excited? You can come visit me too and I promise I will be excited for that as well! We love visitors! It stinks living away from family, especially now that we have a kiddo of our own.

Anyway, with my sister here I might not get a chance to blog that much (can you blame me?), but I will be sure to post a slide show of pictures of all our fun after she has left! :)

Also, my cousin Sissy is flying in on Friday morning and staying with us. :) We can't wait to see her too! Yah for lots of family visitors!!!

Strong Girl

I was reading on my little development chart that by 4 months of age a child can hold his/her head up at a 90 degree angle. Of course I think Sierra is wonderful and based on her tummy time yesterday morning, she is a bit above average; and she isn't even 3 months old yet! :) Although she isn't holding toys yet or grabbing at things, she definitely has strong muscles! This mommy isn't wishing for the crawling stage just yet though. I still like that she is immobile. :) This way, I know where she is at all times. :) But we do believe God created her just perfect and oh, so beautiful; as you can tell by some of the looks she gives in the photos, she has real personality too!

And...of course...I took a ton of pictures and video. :) Enjoy!

(Sorry about the cat jumping on my head in the video! It caught me off guard. Also in the video, you can see we have a "drool monster" on our hands. :) )

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