Peep, peep

Yet another reason to love my husband…

…one of his favorite candies are Peeps. But not just any Peep…only the yellow ones…only the birds.

Hubby- sometimes you just makes me smile.

 

Photo credit: coffeechocolateandcheese.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Henry!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRY!!!!

A-MAZ-ING.

Our little boy, our cuter butts, stinky face, munchkin is one-year-old today.

Hard to believe.

One year ago, he looked like this:

And now he looks like this:

And can do this:

So proud.

Henry boy- Thank you for joining our family. You have brought you dad and me so much joy, so much laughter, so much happiness, and so much love. Can’t imagine it any other way now.

Happy birthday to the best baby in the world!

A life remembered

Hey everyone,

Sorry I haven’t posted in a few days.

Our family recently received some sad news- Deron’s dad passed away this weekend. His health had been declining for awhile and while his death was not unexpected, it is nonetheless surprising. Deron misses his dad but is strong as always. SUPER big hugs for him.

And as our family recovers from this sudden change, it has become increasingly important for us to pause and remember Jon’s life. Based on Deron’s recollections and the stories pouring in from friends and family, a few things have become quite clear to me:

Jon was a hero

He volunteered to serve in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Even though the University of Florida had recruited him to play baseball, he chose to serve his country. Honorable indeed.

Jon was a legend

He worked for many, many years in the Yuma school district as a teacher and principal. He was the kind of teacher that everyone loved. He was the kind of teacher that students remember forever. The kind that teased you, made you do silly things, but taught you to have fun with learning. His also worked tirelessly to improve the quality of education for immigrant populations, advocating for year-round schooling.

Jon was very proud of his son

While not an effusive person, Jon had  a way of radiating love and admiration for his son. Every time we met, he’d give a little half smile and would hug Deron tight.

Jon was excited to be a grandpa

He wanted a grandchild SO MUCH. During the early years of our marriage, Jon advocated strongly for a grandchild, every single time we saw him. We finally had a kid after five years of marriage and introduced Henry to Jon.

Here is a picture from Jon’s visit in February:

Lastly, Jon will be missed. Very, very much. 

Happy Pie Day!

Okay…I made that up…Pie Day. To me, though, the day before Thanksgiving is an unofficial holiday. It deserves a name. So I made one up and I call it Pie Day because this is the day that all the pies and goodies are baked for the bigger, officially recognized holiday. While others might focus on the hassle of traveling and last minute turkey shopping, I’m choosing to focus on the joyful aspect of Thanksgiving Eve. I’m choosing to focus on the pie.

Here are a few reasons why Pie Day deserves more attention:

1. Pie Day has its own traditions. In our house, my mom always baked a pumpkin pie and a chocolate pecan pie for Thanksgiving. The day before, she would make the crust from scratch (!) and I remember her trimming and crimping the pie edges just so. She’d use the leftover crust dough to make little pie crust cookies with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top. It was the same thing every, single year. Now that I’m cooking my own Thanksgiving dinner, I can’t celebrate the holiday without those pies. I could choose other pies but I don’t. I love them.

See…tradition!

2. Pie Day is about love. This is the day when everyone comes home, when everyone starts to come together in their pie-scented homes. People start to gather in the kitchen. The holiday anticipation starts to build and everyone becomes a little happier, a little softer.

See…love!

3. Pie Day is a heck of a lot of fun. Pour a glass of wine, set out some yummy snacks, turn on some music, and bake up a storm. It’s an enjoyable process.

See…fun!

Pie Day is a day to be recognized and it’s something that we need. If you feel up to it, read this post about a girl with very grand ideas. It’s the right attitude. It’s inspiring. So let’s follow her lead. We need to celebrate more often. Let’s make extra holidays. Happy Pie Day!

Day 11, check!

Cute baby moment

There are moments when, as a mother, your heart goes pitter-patter or maybe it swells to a size previously unknown. Well, whatever it does, your heart does something amazing because your kid is so darn so cute you can’t help but love him more.

Here is one of those moments:

Love that kid!