Look who FINALLY lost his tooth!

Proud as a peacock!

A Birthday Party for Shilo!

Tonight we celebrated Shilo's first birthday complete with cake and party hats! His actual birthday was on the 29th of October, but with the unexpected snow storm we had to put it off for a few days.  The kids are fairly certain that Shilo won't know the difference because he doesn't know how to read a calendar or do math just yet.  I love my boys, the furry one included.  

"Merry" Halloween 2011

Halloween 2011: A lot of snow, a Yankee, a Power Ranger, a Clone Trooper and 2 moms who made
"Hi, I'm your new neighbor!" into a comedy routine.  You had to be there.  :)

The Masterpiece I Longed to Paint...

The boys returned home today from the Outer Banks. After a week apart, I actually had butterflies in my stomach when I saw them again! I couldn't take my eyes off of either one of their little faces for the rest of the afternoon. After a few hours, Ty smiled at me and insisted, "Why do you keep looking at me that way?"

I laughed and said: "You'll understand someday when you have children."

Ty: "That's too far away, tell me now."

Me: "You are just so beautiful. Like art." 

Ty: "Maybe you should take a picture of me then."

So I did.

 You are the poem I dreamed of writing.

The masterpiece I longed to paint.

You are the shining star I reached for

In my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled.

You are my child. Now with all things I am blessed.

-Author Unknown

Introducing Shilo!

We are proud to introduce you to our newest addition to the family, Shilo Hiccup Fulton! Shilo is a 3 month old, male, English Bulldog. He came to us from a wonderful breeder in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who we found through the MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue. Not that it matters to us, but apparently Shilo's dad is a "Best-in-Breed" Show Dog, so la-dee-dah! As impressive as that is, what mostly matters is that his parents are strong, thriving purebred bullies; which means that Shilo's got a great chance of living a long, healthy life himself. It was love at first sight for all of us and we look forward to making many happy memories with our new addition! Thanks to Peter, Traci, Brendan & Kyra, my fairy Godchild, for being Shilo's first visitors! And, for Traci bringing her camera! I love my talented friends!  Traci Meyer Photography

When I am right and the time is right—God will provide.

Apparently, THAT time is now! I received an offer of employment from Danbury Hospital yesterday & I'm so grateful! Despite the challenges associated with being unemployed, being given the opportunity to truly consider the blessings in my life has been an immeasurable gift. And, nothing can compare to the joy of spending 7-months of boundless time & energy with my boys! Thanks to the friends and family who supported me during this humbling, faith-filled journey. What a ride it's been!

Now I lay me down to sleep..

Listening to our children pray is one of the great gifts of parenting. Tonight they asked God to give mommy a new job ... at Toys R Us. My precious, prayerful, faith-filled boys!

All he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth!

I've always thought that Ty looks just like he did when he was a baby, just a bigger version!  So, now, with his two front teeth (and two bottom teeth) missing I can't help, but be overwhelmed with remembrance every time he looks at me with that toothless grin. So, although Ty wants his two front teeth for Christmas (among a million other things), I am in no rush!

December Fourteenth

Tree decorated. Gingerbread house built. Lights twinkling. Stockings hung. Letters to Santa sent. Christmas Cards ordered. And, shopping done.  Unemployment has its advantages!  :)

Following in Daddy's Footsteps

Both boys played soccer this fall and had a blast! Although the schedule was somewhat grueling for their loyal fans, every Saturday they had a full house at both games. We couldn't tell you how many wins or losses each racked up, but the fact that they looked forward to each and every game tells us that this was the first of many soccer seasons to come!