Eight Years and Counting...

In honor of the eight years we have been married, I have decided to reveal Eight Things I Love About Matt...

His commitment to me and our marriage.

His ability to leave his job in Fredericksburg. I can count on one hand the number of times that he has come home and brought issues home with him. He doesn't discuss work unless prodded. As soon as he walks in the door, he is no longer a school administrator...he is a daddy and husband.

Arm tickles...I love the feeling of his fingers lightly stroking my arms and hands. He will often put me to sleep that way.

His sense of humor, especially when playing with C&C. I love peeking into the playroom and watching him make inanimate objects do and say the funniest things. The laughter he evokes is contagious and would put a smile on anyone's face.

Morning notes. Every day.

His support for everything I do or want to do. Whether it's going out with friends, having friends over, weekend retreats, business endeavors, new job opportunities, etc... he always encourages me and supports my decisions.

His dedication to C&C. If it were up to him, he would spend every evening and all weekend with C&C. He declines offers to play softball, socialize, join a team, hang out with the guys, because he wants to spend his free time with his children.

His way of communicating with C&C. He has a way of asking the right questions in a non-threatening way so that the information he wants to hear is revealed. He is always excited to teach them new things. He is an excellent role model and never misses a moment to instill good values and proper behavior.

I could go on and on...I love you baby! Thank you for making these eight years so special for me. Happy Anniversary!

Salad Anyone?

We were pleasantly surprised to find that our vegetable garden had grown substantially while we were away. We have ripe grape and cherry tomatoes and the peppers and cucumbers are almost there. Each morning since we've been home Connor has woken up and gone out to check to see if there are any red tomatoes for picking. So exciting...and oh-so-yummy!

3 Things I Love About Long Island

Home again, home again jiggity jog...

We woke up yesterday morning to beautiful blue, cloudless skies, abundant sunshine, and no humidity. It certainly wasn't difficult to talk Matt out of driving home and spending the day at the beach instead. Yes, we spent the day sunning, swimming, and relaxing at the beach instead of driving home. Kris and Melissa (and baby Julianna) and Clint and Georgette all joined us for our last day of vacation doing what we enjoy most...beachin' it!

We left LI around 6:15 last night and drove all the way home. Tired and lagging we pulled in around 1 o'clock this morning. Our first day home was them perfect time to reflect on all that I love about Long Island.

1. Family

Since Matt is one of the few Terry's to move off of Long Island, anytime we go back we always treasure the time we get to spend with family. This time was no different. On Sunday, Matt's aunt and uncle, who have a beautiful home on the water, hosted the entire Fredricks family for their annual 4th of July party. It's always nice to catch up with everyone and I enjoy seeing how the children have grown (in number and size) since the previous year. This year, of course, there was a new Terry that joined us.

I can't forget to mention my in-laws. I am fortunate to have married into such a loving and generous family. Any time we go to Long Island, we feel like we are on vacation. We are spoiled. They wake up with our children in the morning as we continue to sleep (Connor even sleeps in their bedroom), they entertain them, and they're always coming up with funny things to say and do together with C&C. We are all very well taken care of.

2. The Beach

Matt grew up about a mile from the beach, and his parents still live there so anytime we go home in the summer, the beach is always a popular, and expected, outing. This trip we enjoyed two full days in the sand and sun. Even though the water was a bit chilly, the guys and kids took their normal swim. I miss it already!

3. Julianna

Yes, she's part of our family but she deserves her own spot. Since I don't have any siblings and Matt only has one brother, the possibilities for neices and nephews are limited. Everyone knows that I am a Baby Mama and every chance I can get to hold a baby, I take it. K and M are very patient and understanding with me and allow me to scoop her up and "hog" her while I'm visiting. Even my mother-in-law has reluctantly passed her over when I flash my puppy dog eyes from across the room. Anyway, this little girl is a gem. She is just now starting to interact a bit and coos, laughs, and smiles when provoked. I can't wait to see her again. She is absolutely beautiful and always pleasant. See for yourself...

Let's Go Yankees!

Last night we went to our first game in the new Yankee Stadium. Although they lost, we had a great time, and the stadium is awesome.

Matt's cousin came over to watch C&C. Immediately both of them warmed up to her (this is only the second time they've had a babysitter other than their grandparents). We felt very comfortable leaving them with her.

We were in a little bit of traffic on the way in, but we didn't mind. Melissa and Kris had prepared their special summer drink (Passion Fruit Malibu Run and Lemonade) which kept us occupied. (I highly recommend it!). We got there in time to walk the stadium a little and check out the sights. It really is a beautiful stadium. Then it took us another ten minutes or so to hike up, up, up to our seats. Most of us were perspiring and out of breath by the time we finally sat down.

It started raining shortly after we got there so there was a rain delay. After about 30 minutes, the game began! Our seats were pretty high up, but we had a great view of the field. Of course we were seated on the third base side - great view of Jeter! To get a better view, about three innings in, I took a field trip. I think everyone thought I was crazy, but I wanted a closer view. I walked all the way back down to field level and watched, jaws dropped wide open. I stood right on the third base side with a perfect view of Jeter (and Jack Nicholson, who was also in attendance). I was in awe. Spectators were allowed to stand and watch as long as they wanted, as long as we didn't go right down into the box seats. I stayed and watched both from the third base line and behing the Yankees dugout for a full inning before making the long trip back up to our seats.

All in all, a great game! Too bad my camera is on the fritz and didn't capture the amazing views of Derek Jeter I had! UGH!