These Little Moments...

On Saturday morning, Sean and I took the New Jersey Transit from Newark to Penn Station. Upon arriving and exiting the train, my first thoughts were that New York City was a wild combination of big and bright, loud and fast. There were people everywhere, people from everywhere. I was struck by both the diversity and the uniqueness (which is putting it nicely in some cases) of the people around me. I knew I was walking into unknown territory, which was part of the excitement, but it was still an experience being thrust into the pace of NYC. On the train, headed toward Penn Station! There were car horns blaring, people practically walking out into oncoming traffic, folks yelling at us in an effort to sell or hand us things. There were homeless folks holding signs that read things like "Need Money For Pot, Pizza, and Beer". (I do appreciate the honesty, I guess.) This North Carolina girl was slightly overwhelmed. I clung tightly to Sean as we navigated the streets, and...

Currently, I am sitting Indian style on a perfectly-made bed with a fluffy, white comforter, courtesy of Hampton Inn in Newark, NJ. There are many inches of snow on the ground, more than I can even guess because I've never seen so much at one time in my life. I think it's especially cool how the piles of snow, which have been plowed to the sides of the parking lots and streets, are almost as tall as I am. From our 5th floor room, I can see the setting sun above me, which has awed me with its display of deep blues, purples, and pinks tonight, and the frozen outdoor pool below me. The thought that keeps coming back to me is that my kids would love seeing those piles of mommy-sized snow... But, my kids aren't here, because they're home with Sean's mom, while he and I are in New Jersey, on a weekend away. Sean is technically here on business, but I am strictly here to be away, and to be with him when he's not working. It's actually worked out beautifully. I get ...

Last Monday, I finally took the step I had intended to take months ago: I took Ethan's pacifier away. We had already attempted the "keep-the-pacifier-in-the-bed" approach and failed, mostly because life was so much easier (and more peaceful) if we happened to have the thing with us should the need for it arise. Having given up on successfully weaning him of the pacifier by age two, Sean and I just decided to go with it, keep it from him unless absolutely necessary, and continue to discuss with him how pacifiers are for babies, and he is getting to be such a big boy. Basically, Ethan could have cared less if he was big or not, and kept a strong attachment to his beloved "pass", which also happens to be the newborn pacifier you're often given in the hospital the day your sweet baby is born. Yep. My two-and-a-half-year-old was still sucking on a 0-3 months Soothie. So, as I've mentioned, last Monday was the big day. I stashed his pacifier on the top shel...

One of my goals each New Year is simply to add to my blog more often. Yet, as each year begins and life moves forward, I find that it isn't so simple. Nevertheless, one of my goals for 2014 is to try to make my blog a priority... again. I adore my little space on the Internet and all of the precious memories I have preserved here. There are times when I go back and look through the older posts, thanking God I took the time needed to add those pictures and type those words! I know I only have a handful of folks who read along, but I also realize these are the people who genuinely enjoy seeing new posts and feel closer to my family through my words and photos. So, here's to 2014 and the many Little Moments we'll experience this year! Christmas 2013 was a beautiful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. We focused in on enjoying this season with family and friends, and despite various illnesses along the way, we truly did enjoy the holidays! Sean's office was...

This was such a fun, special Halloween. Ethan really understood the whole idea of dressing up. He originally requested to be Buzz Lightyear, from his very favorite movie Toy Story, but his size seemed to be sold out everywhere I looked. We happened to be at Concord Mills in Charlotte and checked out their Disney Store. They didn't have Buzz either, but Ethan happily settled on this Sheriff Woody costume, which included his awesome cowboy hat. I have to say, the kids' costumes this year are probably my favorites so far. Gracie decided to dress as Princess Jasmine while we were visiting Disney World in September. It is the prettiest costume, and one she'll enjoy throughout the coming year. Ethan has also worn his Woody costume many, many times since Halloween.  Trick or Treating was also an enjoyable experience with both Gracie and Ethan. Ethan caught on quickly and was still asking to go Trick or Treating days after Halloween had passed. Our good friends joined us wit...

When a good friend first mentioned the possibility of getting a team together for a Tough Mudder event, Sean seemed unsure. I don't know exactly what changed his mind, but suddenly he was 1 of 7 guys, all ready to train for, and eventually dominate, this intense obstacle challenge. Sean went into full out training mode during the months leading up to the event. All of the guys held each other accountable and encouraged one other as the countdown went from months to weeks, and weeks to just days... And just like that, we were there. I was merely a spectator, but still felt nervous about the 12 mile course, which delivered 25 obstacles to be completed, including Electric Eel and Electroshock Therapy, which, as their names imply, gave the guys a nice jolt or two as they made their way through. Thanks to Megan, a fellow team wife and close friend, we were able to follow a map that lead us on a spectator route, giving us the chance to see as many obstacles as possible. I had no...