Beach Week

Our neighbors were kind enough to invite us to their beach house in Manteo, NC (on Roanoke Island) last week. Both husbands had to work during the week, so Jeannine and I took the kids (she has an eight year old boy) down on Tuesday and waited for the guys to get there Friday evening.

We spent each day doing almost the same thing. After we woke up and had breakfast, I would take Carly to the playground while Jeannine took the boys for a bike ride around the neighborhood. She was quick to share how excited she was that Connor could ride so fast, as he set the pace for the 3 mile ride (and I might add that he was ready to ride some more after he returned from the trip). That boy has some energy! Then we'd head back to the house and change into our bathing suits. The big decision of the day was whether to hit the beach or pool first. We were able to spend adequate time at each, and the kids loved both. I was amazed at how well Connor and Carly "managed" themselves in the ocean. They each knew their own personal limits and only went out as far as they felt comfortable. Back to the house for dinner and then we either took a walk or watched a movie before settling down for bed. Nice.

One of my favorite moments was when DJ Steve a.k.a."The Dream" set up at the pool and played some tunes for all to enjoy. He was very interestingly dressed and provided some great entertainment. I might add that he had some good moves as well. At one point he got all the kids up and invited them to the side of the pool for a Limbo competition, then a little YMCA dancing. What a hoot!

Once the guys got into town, they took the kids fishing off the pier and we signed the kids up for crabbing. They even caught some! That was lots of fun.

We had a great time...I miss the beach already! All in all...lots of fun in the sun!

Going Private...

Well, the time has come to change the privacy settings on our family's blog.

Have you heard about the latest news story involving a baby whose picture was stolen from a family's blog page and placed on a Craigslist ad offering adoption? Read it here.

If you read our blog and would like access to it, please notify me so that I can give you access to it.

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!

It was tough, but I did it! I outlasted a 5 year old boy......hope I can get up in the morning.

Well, today was quite a day. In sum, it was a terrific father-son day and I thought I might share the highlights since I am alone tonight.

Jenn and Carly left today with Esther for New York where Jenn grew up (Sodus). It was a bittersweet moment seeing my two girls leave to travel miles away and I knew I would miss the hugs and kisses for awhile. Yet, it was also a moment I knew I had to make the most of since I had my son all to myself. Our first destination,.....Dicks Sporting Goods, the fishing department! That's right, I've got my license now and can fish anywhere in VA. Connor was excited and we picked out some bait, hooks and other odd and ends. We were ready!

It was a crowded dock at the small lake near our house, but Connor was impressive with his fishing skills. Although we caught nothing, he was casting and reeling in his line with the teenage boy scouts there like he's been doing it for years. One person caught an impressive turtle while we were there and I had no idea they were that large in such a small body of water. We were both glad to see that there was actually life stirring in the muddy waters below. That was all for today though.

Lunch was Connor's choice,....McDonald's. Although the food was not the most satisfying for me, the conversation was indeed. Every once in a while a 5 year old boy can somehow reflect on the most amazing concepts that some adolescents don't comprehend. Those moments are priceless and I was glad to be there for a meaningful chat with my son.

Connor's next choice for the day was Chuck E. Cheese. We are not regulars there at all, but he stumbled upon a coin from there at home and became fixated on the opportunity to play some games. It was a blast. We raced each other in sports cars, rode simulation roller coasters, flew fighter jets, hunted aliens and bad guys with our digital weapons, navigated spaceships, got our pictures taken, collected tickets and ate some treats. I'm not really sure which one of us had the most fun?

Next stop, the grocery store. Gatorade was on sale. It was the perfect opportunity for Connor to learn and observe how to give back to others. I explained to him that we were going to deliver some drinks to the guys that work on our cars. It was a hot day and the perfect time for some Gatorade on ice. Connor helped me pick out all different flavors and since he was such a big help I told him he could pick out some ice cream for dessert tonight. Mint Chocolate Chip,....just like his Mommy. = ) He was thrilled, but not as excited as the guys at the garage! They all gave him high fives and Connor learned how to feel good about giving.

On out drive home we passed over the railroad tracks. Connor wanted to then see the train. OK! We got our bikes ready and headed out for a ride. We rode around the neighborhood and stopped at the train tracks near our house. We have a tradition now of going there and building a rock tower while we wait for the train to rumble through. Today we constructed our best display yet for all to see and waved to the trains as they passed by.

We played follow the leader on bikes all the way home and sometimes laughing uncontrollably as Connor would do something silly and I would have to copycat him. One guy walking the dog looked at me probably wondering if I was suited to supervise a toddler and a woman spraying her plants just laughed and waved politely as I regressed with my son.

We were exhausted. Time to go inside. Connor wanted Mac and Cheese for dinner,....OK! He ate fast,.....he knew what was next. Dessert was no disappointment and he wanted to watch the Cars movie and eat ice cream. Yes, you guessed it,......I said OK. We had an indoor picnic, watched the movie, laughed at Mater, and still acted like kids.

About half way through the movie we got cleaned up with a bath, put our PJ's on, and rested some more. I went back upstairs to put away some clothes and laundry. Only after just a short time I returned to see my little man all wrapped up in a blanket in the chair and sound asleep. ZZZZZZZ. Absolutely adorable. I picked him up in my arms and felt like a Daddy again as I carried him to his bed. He opened his eyes briefly and said good night.

It was a good day! I made it and outlasted my son. I hope I have many more years of being able to do that, but I know there will come a time that I can't keep up. These days I will cherish forever.

As I prepare for bed and reflect on the eventful day, one moment stands out from the rest. As we were riding in the car this afternoon to come home the silence was broken by Connor's voice from the back seat.

"Daddy"

"Yes, Connor".

"Daddy, you are my best friend".

What Have We Been Up To?

Cleaning - For some reason, I have been bitten by the cleaning bug. That doesn't happen very often, so I'm taking advantage of the sting! Since Saturday, I've been on a mission. I removed all the mini blinds from our windows and, one by one, hosed them down and laid them on the front lawn to dry. This had to be done in stages, as they had to dry on towels so they'd stay clean. While the mini blinds were off the windows, I thought it a great opportunity to wash the windows, inside and out. So while the blinds were drying, I washed windows - and window sills. All 29 windows are complete as of this evening. Yippee!

While I was cleaning the windows in our bedroom I got the urge to move the furniture around. Ever since we moved into our house, I have been yearning to angle our bed as it was in our previous house. I tried it right after we moved in but didn't care for it. I still wanted to try it again. I convinced Matt to give it a try, so in the one hour before his dentist's appointment yesterday we moved everything around and we love it!

Upstairs doors have been washed...now for the downstairs doors and all baseboards. Then I'm done!

VBS - Connor and Carly are attending Vacation Bible School this week at North Run (where Connor went to preschool and where Carly will go in the Fall). 9:00 - 12:30pm each day I am free...to clean! The theme is Crocodile something or other and they seem to be enjoying themselves.

Celebrating "Daddy" - Matt requested that we spend Father's Day at the pool. No argument there. My mom graciously agreed and hosted us for the day. We took a short break for lunch and dinner, but spend the rest of the day at the pool. Connor and Carly spend quite a bit of time at the pool while I'm working and have really become avid swimmers. They both love the water and their swimming has really improved since last year. Matt and I were amazed with all they could do. Connor is swimming underwater, dives to the bottom of the pool for rings (4 1/2 feet deep), and can go from one end of the pool to the other. Carly still uses her swimmies some of the time, but has really gotten good at swimming underwater. She will push off from the steps and swim 4 or 5 feet to one of us. She is just tall enough to touch the bottom of the pool on her tippy tippy toes. It's cute to watch her "walk" across the pool. They are fish!

Speaking of fish - Matt was given a Fishing License for Father's Day in the hopes that he will take Connor fishing. Connor has a fishing pole and has been asking Daddy regularly to take him fishing. Now, there is no excuse. I think we should rent a pontoon boat at Lake Anna and spend the day, with the kids, sunbathing, swimming, and fishing!

Happy Father's Day, Matt. You never cease to amaze me. You are ALWAYS up for playing with C&C. You walk in the door, after a 45 minute drive from Fredericksburg with your arms open wide ready for hugs and kisses and, from that moment on, you are in Daddy mode. You talk with them, play with them, and just make them feel loved and important. You can make any object "fun" and you are constantly coming up for new uses for everyday objects, making us all laugh. You have a great, passive approach to talking with the kids and always seem to get so much information from them. You are such a devoted father...our kids are so lucky!

Worth The Wait

My Mother's Day gift arrived this morning. I knew it was coming and have been anxiously checking the front porch each day to see if it had arrived. Today was the day! It came wrapped in a 2x2 square brown box, tied beautifully with a ribbon labeled with the store's name. Inside the box, my ring laid on top of a bed of lavender. What a sight...

It is a sterling silver double ring stamped with Connor's and Carly's names. Check out their website...they have really neat stuff!

Thank you, Connor and Carly! I will treasure it always! (Good job, Matt!)

Girls' Weekend

I know I haven't been the best blogger lately. Not that there hasn't been lots going on...I've just been neglectful (is that a word?) So, in case you've been missin' me, here is a brief synopsis of this past weekend.

For one last MOPS Steering Team "retreat", Heather invited us to her mother's house on Lake Anna. We all rode together, enjoyed lunch at Panera, and then arrived at the Lake around 1:30ish. We immediately changed into our bathing suits and hopped onto the boat. We anchored and then just laid in the sun, swam a bit, talked, ate, drank, and laid in the sun some more. It started getting cloudy as our stomachs were growling, so we headed back to the house to get ready for dinner. Each of us brought a dish or two for the weekend's meals so meal prep was very easy. We sat out on the deck overlooking the lake as we ate dinner and chatted. The conversation and company were delightful. How sad is it that we were all pooped around 10:30ish and went to bed!

After a restful night, we awoke to a beautiful day. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and then hit the boat again.

Sunscreen...check

Towels...check

Trashy magazines...check

Gin Slushies...check

Good friends...check

Doesn't it sound too good to be true? It surely felt like it, too.

Thanks, ladies, for being the special people you are. I very much enjoyed our time together and can only hope we can all enjoy each other's company again before too long.