Tomorrow is the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby. In honor of the world's most famous horse race, I thought I'd reminisce a little about my home state.
Here are 5 fabulous things I miss about living in Kentucky!
1. Family and friends-
This is a no-brainer. Especially now with having Brennan, it is hard to be away from our family. We also had wonderful friends in Lexington that we haven't seen in a really long time. Thankfully, we made amazing friends in Connecticut too, but Kentucky will always be our home.
2. Church-
We have also been very blessed with a great church and church family in CT. However, I still miss the churches I was involved in back in KY. I miss working with the kids at Harmony Christian Church. The church has an amazing children's minister (what up, Valerie!) and I always liked helping with Children's Church on Sunday mornings. Plus, VBS was always a blast! I also miss Southland Christian Church. That happens to be where Kyle and I met! It was always fun going to The Space Between on Thursday nights.
3. School-
I LOVED the school where I taught in Lexington. Arlington was pretty much in the middle of the ghetto and I taught some pretty rough 2nd and 3rd graders, but loved every minute of it. I remember pulling up to the school for my interview and almost not getting out of the car because there was graffiti on the playground. I'm so glad I did get out though. I was fresh out of college and the school ended up being a perfect fit for me. My teaching job in Colchester, CT was certainly easier, and it was wonderful to always have 100% turnout for conferences, but I did feel more needed at Arlington. And I don't think I'll ever have better stories than I did while I was teaching there.
4. Fazoli's-
I was just talking about Fazoli's with my aunt the other day. Fast food Italian! Pretty much amazing. Breadsticks like Olive Garden and they have a drive-thru! Yum!
5. Chick-fil-a-
I think Kyle would be highly disappointed if I didn't include Chick-fil-a on my list. It is by far his favorite restaurant and what he misses most about KY. (That and Ale-8). We are such big fans, that we have driven to Burlington, MA two times just to eat at the one closest to us. The restaurant also holds a special place in my heart because the day I met Kyle at Southland Christian Church, a group of us went to eat at Chick-fil-a. So, it was our first restaurant! :)
A quick shout-out to all of our friends and family back in the K-Y! Have an awesome weekend and enjoy The Oaks and Derby. Sorry that the weather looks like it'll be cruddy!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Mary's Shower
My friend, Mary, came back to CT for a visit. She and her husband were stationed in Groton, but are now out in Monterey, CA. They are expecting their first baby in early July. It was great to see her and throw her a little "shower" during her visit. Here are a few pictures from our little get together.
The shower went great even though I had a slightly disastrous morning.
Brennan woke up early, about 5:20 for his morning feeding. I fed him and then being the good baby that he is, he went right back down. I decided to stay up because I needed to make the pineapple stuffing I was bringing to the shower. So I was up bright and early working in the kitchen. The stuffing had to bake for an hour and after it was done, I took my shower and got ready and even cleaned the house a little while Brennan was still asleep. After scooping the cat litter, I heard Ringo in the kitchen and went in and discovered this...
...Ringo had eaten my pineapple stuffing!
Thank goodness for great friends. I called Amanda, she went to the store and got the ingredients needed, and started making another batch. By the time I woke Brennan up, fed him, and got to Amanda's, it was already in the oven!
The shower went great even though I had a slightly disastrous morning.
Brennan woke up early, about 5:20 for his morning feeding. I fed him and then being the good baby that he is, he went right back down. I decided to stay up because I needed to make the pineapple stuffing I was bringing to the shower. So I was up bright and early working in the kitchen. The stuffing had to bake for an hour and after it was done, I took my shower and got ready and even cleaned the house a little while Brennan was still asleep. After scooping the cat litter, I heard Ringo in the kitchen and went in and discovered this...
...Ringo had eaten my pineapple stuffing!
Thank goodness for great friends. I called Amanda, she went to the store and got the ingredients needed, and started making another batch. By the time I woke Brennan up, fed him, and got to Amanda's, it was already in the oven!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
A Visit with Mama Sherri and Papa Dukes
Aunt Sherri and Uncle Billy came down from Southington for a visit today! Brennan loved getting some extra luvin'! It was great to visit with them and I even helped Sherri set up a blog!
They left around 5:30 and Kyle and I decided we would go to Olive Garden for dinner. We had received a gift card there (thanks, Sheryl!) and thought we'd go ahead and use it. We were there waiting for a table and who should walk in?!?! Bill and Sherri! It was pretty hilarious. We ended up eating dinner together, they treated us (thanks, Bill and Sherri!), and we still have a gift card we can go back and use!
They left around 5:30 and Kyle and I decided we would go to Olive Garden for dinner. We had received a gift card there (thanks, Sheryl!) and thought we'd go ahead and use it. We were there waiting for a table and who should walk in?!?! Bill and Sherri! It was pretty hilarious. We ended up eating dinner together, they treated us (thanks, Bill and Sherri!), and we still have a gift card we can go back and use!
All in all, a great Sunday (topped off with Brennan pooping in his bathtub tonight during his bath!)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Check This Out, GeeGee!
GeeGee, do you like Brennan's shirt? Amanda gave this to me before he was even born knowing that you'd appreciate it!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday's Fab Five
I have been throughly uninspired today to write my Fab Five.
Not sure why.
It's been a good week. Just nothing that seems super exciting to write about and since I know everyone is used to reading about my super exciting life, I'm kind of drawing a blank.
So, here goes a recap of some of the highlights from the week. (Thanks Val for your inspiration!)
1. This past Sunday was the Dishmons first Sunday back in CT. It was pretty awesome having them at church. It was even more awesome that Amanda had a coughing fit during the service and would try to hold in her cough only to make a snorting noise that made me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe. After church, a big group went to lunch at Paul's Pasta! It was nice to have lunch all together.
2. On Sunday night I ate a very delicious Dairy Queen Blizzard. (Who was I kidding? My life IS exciting!) The line was crazy long, but it was well worth it; even if I did find blizzard all over the backseat of my car. Who was sitting back there again?!? (It is possible that is was projectile baby spit-up, however, it is more fun to try and blame the person who was back there!)
3. Wednesday night the guys went out, so Val and I went over to Amanda's. I almost got another Blizzard, but then we ate fruit and dip instead. It was a low-key night spent watching the way too long Idol Gives Back episode, but fun nonetheless.
4. On Thursday, Brennan and I went with Amanda and Adah to meet Brenda and Jack in Warwick, RI. It was nice to get out of the house during the day. And our Chipotle lunch really hit the spot.
5. Today is Friday! Fridays are good even though I'm not working anymore. The weather was great, even though I stayed inside all day. I got a nap today, which was lovely. Kyle is currently mowing the yard so it is taken care of before the weekend. Now I'm looking forward to a nice weekend spent with family and friends!
Hope your week was equally as super-fabulous as mine! :D
Not sure why.
It's been a good week. Just nothing that seems super exciting to write about and since I know everyone is used to reading about my super exciting life, I'm kind of drawing a blank.
So, here goes a recap of some of the highlights from the week. (Thanks Val for your inspiration!)
1. This past Sunday was the Dishmons first Sunday back in CT. It was pretty awesome having them at church. It was even more awesome that Amanda had a coughing fit during the service and would try to hold in her cough only to make a snorting noise that made me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe. After church, a big group went to lunch at Paul's Pasta! It was nice to have lunch all together.
2. On Sunday night I ate a very delicious Dairy Queen Blizzard. (Who was I kidding? My life IS exciting!) The line was crazy long, but it was well worth it; even if I did find blizzard all over the backseat of my car. Who was sitting back there again?!? (It is possible that is was projectile baby spit-up, however, it is more fun to try and blame the person who was back there!)
3. Wednesday night the guys went out, so Val and I went over to Amanda's. I almost got another Blizzard, but then we ate fruit and dip instead. It was a low-key night spent watching the way too long Idol Gives Back episode, but fun nonetheless.
4. On Thursday, Brennan and I went with Amanda and Adah to meet Brenda and Jack in Warwick, RI. It was nice to get out of the house during the day. And our Chipotle lunch really hit the spot.
5. Today is Friday! Fridays are good even though I'm not working anymore. The weather was great, even though I stayed inside all day. I got a nap today, which was lovely. Kyle is currently mowing the yard so it is taken care of before the weekend. Now I'm looking forward to a nice weekend spent with family and friends!
Hope your week was equally as super-fabulous as mine! :D
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Bragging a Bit
Bragging about Brennan usually gets me in trouble. If I talk about what a good sleeper he's been, then he stops sleeping so well. But I still have to brag on him a bit!
He seems to consistently be sleeping through the night now (knock on wood). Tuesday night he went to sleep at 7:50 and slept straight through until 5:20. I fed him at 5:20 and he went back to sleep in his crib from 6-9! I went back to sleep too! I slept until 9am on Wednesday morning.
Last night, he did equally well. He was up later than usual because we went to visit Amanda and Adah. He went down just before 10 and slept until 6:30. Then went back down at 7:15 and I had to wake him up at 8:45 because we were going out with Amanda and Adah at 9:45. I actually stayed up this morning after his 6:30 feeding and showered, got ready, and ate my breakfast while he was fast asleep. It was amazing!
He was so great during our outing today too! Amanda came to pick us up at 9:45. He slept in the car on the way up to Warwick, RI. We met Amanda's friend Brenda and her son Jack at Target up there. He was awake and happy the whole time at Target. I fed him in the food court area at Target and then we all went to Chipotle. (YUMMY!) He fell asleep in his car seat while we ate and slept until we got home!
Now that I've bragged, we'll see what the rest of the day has in store for me! :)
Here's my sweetie pie!
He seems to consistently be sleeping through the night now (knock on wood). Tuesday night he went to sleep at 7:50 and slept straight through until 5:20. I fed him at 5:20 and he went back to sleep in his crib from 6-9! I went back to sleep too! I slept until 9am on Wednesday morning.
Last night, he did equally well. He was up later than usual because we went to visit Amanda and Adah. He went down just before 10 and slept until 6:30. Then went back down at 7:15 and I had to wake him up at 8:45 because we were going out with Amanda and Adah at 9:45. I actually stayed up this morning after his 6:30 feeding and showered, got ready, and ate my breakfast while he was fast asleep. It was amazing!
He was so great during our outing today too! Amanda came to pick us up at 9:45. He slept in the car on the way up to Warwick, RI. We met Amanda's friend Brenda and her son Jack at Target up there. He was awake and happy the whole time at Target. I fed him in the food court area at Target and then we all went to Chipotle. (YUMMY!) He fell asleep in his car seat while we ate and slept until we got home!
Now that I've bragged, we'll see what the rest of the day has in store for me! :)
Here's my sweetie pie!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
New Look
I helped a friend set up a blog on Monday and it inspired me to change my background. I'm not sure if I am completely happy with the header yet. I might keep working on it.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday's Fab Five
1. Brennan got to meet his Papaw Larry last weekend! It was such a sweet sight. Kyle's dad walked into our house and I immediately placed Brennan in his arms. The tears started falling right away and LOTS of them. Tears falling straight onto the tile of the kitchen floor. Larry was so excited to meet his very first grandson. It also made me a little sad that we live so far away from our family and that my dad won't get to meet Brennan until we go back home to Kentucky this summer.
Here's Brennan with Papaw Larry and his girlfriend, Linda.
2. Brennan got dedicated at our church last Sunday. I will post pictures from that soon along with the funny sequence of events that took place. It was pretty awesome though to stand up in front of the congregation and make a pledge that we will raise Brennan in a Christian home. I already read him a Bible story each night before bed, but I look forward to the day when he is older and can really understand what we are reading. The day after Brennan was born, our pastor came to the hospital to visit and prayed that at the right age Brennan would accept Him into his heart. What an amazing day that will be!
3. The Dishmons safely arrived from California! They are all moved into their new house and it has been great getting to spend time with them this week. They have one heck of a cute daughter too who makes the funniest faces! It was awesome having them at Bible study with us on Wednesday and I can't wait for them to be at church on Sunday. So fun!
4. Yesterday I was in major spring cleaning the kitchen mode. It was great! I emptied out our food cabinet and vacuumed it and dusted the shelves. I threw away old food. I cleaned most the drawers out too; the silverware drawer was in desperate need of a cleaning! And then I even cleaned the oven! I wish I had taken a before and after picture because it looks almost like a new oven inside. Pretty much made my day! I still want to clean the top of the kitchen cabinets (including the cookie jars that up there for decoration) and the refrigerator, but we'll see if my desire to spring clean continues today.
5. There is pretty much nothing better than hearing Brennan talk right now. He is so vocal and I absolutely love the time I get to spend with him each day. Check out yesterday's post to see a video of him talking to me!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Here's Brennan with Papaw Larry and his girlfriend, Linda.
2. Brennan got dedicated at our church last Sunday. I will post pictures from that soon along with the funny sequence of events that took place. It was pretty awesome though to stand up in front of the congregation and make a pledge that we will raise Brennan in a Christian home. I already read him a Bible story each night before bed, but I look forward to the day when he is older and can really understand what we are reading. The day after Brennan was born, our pastor came to the hospital to visit and prayed that at the right age Brennan would accept Him into his heart. What an amazing day that will be!
3. The Dishmons safely arrived from California! They are all moved into their new house and it has been great getting to spend time with them this week. They have one heck of a cute daughter too who makes the funniest faces! It was awesome having them at Bible study with us on Wednesday and I can't wait for them to be at church on Sunday. So fun!
4. Yesterday I was in major spring cleaning the kitchen mode. It was great! I emptied out our food cabinet and vacuumed it and dusted the shelves. I threw away old food. I cleaned most the drawers out too; the silverware drawer was in desperate need of a cleaning! And then I even cleaned the oven! I wish I had taken a before and after picture because it looks almost like a new oven inside. Pretty much made my day! I still want to clean the top of the kitchen cabinets (including the cookie jars that up there for decoration) and the refrigerator, but we'll see if my desire to spring clean continues today.
5. There is pretty much nothing better than hearing Brennan talk right now. He is so vocal and I absolutely love the time I get to spend with him each day. Check out yesterday's post to see a video of him talking to me!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Talking
Today Brennan was playing on his activity mat. He was so happy and was cooing like crazy while I was singing to him, so I decided to see what I could get on video. Check it out!
Also, he wants to say hi to Larry and Amanda! Sorry we left you out! :)
Also, he wants to say hi to Larry and Amanda! Sorry we left you out! :)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Dear Brennan,
It's already been 2 months! Holy moly! Here is a little bit about what you've been up to lately.
You can still wear some newborn clothes, but now are mostly in 0-3 month stuff. Newborn pants still fit you because you're pretty skinny. We did just buy some 3-6 months socks that seem to stay on your feet a little better. You're still in size 1 diapers and we've been using them like crazy since you have a diaper blowout at least once a day it seems. :)
You are definitely awake more during the day now. Mommy is glad you know the difference between your days and nights, but when you're awake it's hard for Mommy to get things done during the day. You still like your bouncer and we've been using your swing more lately too. You are very content just laying on the couch looking out the window. Your vision is changing because I can tell you notice new things around you every single day. You are very curious and alert. You "talk" a lot too. And you're smiling so much!
Our bedtime routine is still the same. You get a bath, get fed and changed, we read a Bible story, you get swaddled, then Mommy sings "Jesus Loves Me" and just lays you down. You usually don't even make any noises and just fall right to sleep. One night you slept 9-5! Most nights you make it 9 until about 4 or 4:30, which is great for a baby your age. Now that you're 2 months old, Mommy wants to work on establishing a better nap time routine during the day, but we'll see how that goes.
You continue to be wonderful in your car seat and stroller. You are always on your best behavior at church and when we go out to eat. This weekend you are getting spoiled by your Papaw Larry and you got dedicated at church this morning!
You amaze me single day! I love you more than you could possibly know.
Love,
Mommy
Brennan back at 1 month
Today's 2 month photo. This took teamwork to hold him up and move my arm out of the way before the picture!
You can still wear some newborn clothes, but now are mostly in 0-3 month stuff. Newborn pants still fit you because you're pretty skinny. We did just buy some 3-6 months socks that seem to stay on your feet a little better. You're still in size 1 diapers and we've been using them like crazy since you have a diaper blowout at least once a day it seems. :)
You are definitely awake more during the day now. Mommy is glad you know the difference between your days and nights, but when you're awake it's hard for Mommy to get things done during the day. You still like your bouncer and we've been using your swing more lately too. You are very content just laying on the couch looking out the window. Your vision is changing because I can tell you notice new things around you every single day. You are very curious and alert. You "talk" a lot too. And you're smiling so much!
Our bedtime routine is still the same. You get a bath, get fed and changed, we read a Bible story, you get swaddled, then Mommy sings "Jesus Loves Me" and just lays you down. You usually don't even make any noises and just fall right to sleep. One night you slept 9-5! Most nights you make it 9 until about 4 or 4:30, which is great for a baby your age. Now that you're 2 months old, Mommy wants to work on establishing a better nap time routine during the day, but we'll see how that goes.
You continue to be wonderful in your car seat and stroller. You are always on your best behavior at church and when we go out to eat. This weekend you are getting spoiled by your Papaw Larry and you got dedicated at church this morning!
You amaze me single day! I love you more than you could possibly know.
Love,
Mommy
Brennan back at 1 month
Today's 2 month photo. This took teamwork to hold him up and move my arm out of the way before the picture!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday's Fab Five
We had a very busy day today. In fact, we've had a very busy past couple of days Here are 5 FABULOUS things we've done!
1. My sister and nephews came to visit, so we spent some time with them on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Here's a picture of Isaiah holding Brennan.
2. Brennan went aboard his first submarine (out of the womb). We took my sis and nephews to base and toured the Nautilus! (I LOVE my new Ergo by the way!)
3. Brennan went to his first Change of Command ceremony. He looked so cute in his little sweater vest. His daddy looked pretty cute too! :) I don't like the picture and wanted to take another one, but the camera batteries died, so this will have to do.
4. We went to Southington to visit my Aunt and Uncle and cousins. Brennan got to meet his cousin Taylor for the first time.
5. Tomorrow Brennan will meet his Papaw (Kyle's dad) for the first time. Kyle's dad has 4 granddaughters, but Brennan is the first grandson, so it will be a big day!
1. My sister and nephews came to visit, so we spent some time with them on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Here's a picture of Isaiah holding Brennan.
2. Brennan went aboard his first submarine (out of the womb). We took my sis and nephews to base and toured the Nautilus! (I LOVE my new Ergo by the way!)
3. Brennan went to his first Change of Command ceremony. He looked so cute in his little sweater vest. His daddy looked pretty cute too! :) I don't like the picture and wanted to take another one, but the camera batteries died, so this will have to do.
4. We went to Southington to visit my Aunt and Uncle and cousins. Brennan got to meet his cousin Taylor for the first time.
5. Tomorrow Brennan will meet his Papaw (Kyle's dad) for the first time. Kyle's dad has 4 granddaughters, but Brennan is the first grandson, so it will be a big day!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
We had a very nice Easter. We had a good church service (Brennan slept through most of it) and then just relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
He's getting so big!
P.S. I might've forgotten to take a picture of Brennan before I changed him after church and was so mad at myself that I put him back in the outfit later to snap some pictures; but you'll never know for sure. ;-)
He's getting so big!
P.S. I might've forgotten to take a picture of Brennan before I changed him after church and was so mad at myself that I put him back in the outfit later to snap some pictures; but you'll never know for sure. ;-)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Smiles!
Brennan has been smiling so much lately. I decided to pull out the camera and try to catch some today and he was such a good sport. Check these out!
Then I tried to move him and he wasn't so happy anymore! But still so cute!
Then I tried to move him and he wasn't so happy anymore! But still so cute!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday's Fab Five
Five fabulous things I am looking forward to...
1. I bought an Ergo and get to pick it up today! I can't wait to use it and I can't wait to visit Papoose and see what the store is like!
2. Brennan's first Easter. I know he doesn't know what is going on yet, but I am excited. I can't wait to use his Easter basket I bought from Pottery Barn Kids!
3. My half-sister and nephews are coming visit! They get here on the 7th and I can't wait. I haven't seen them since Thanksgiving and I know they are all looking forward to meeting Brennan. We will also get to take them around the Navy base and will probably tour the Nautilus.
Isaiah
Tevin
Hollie
4. Kyle's dad is coming to visit! Larry and Linda will be here with us the weekend of the April 10th and the weekend of the 17th. I am excited for Kyle's dad to meet his very first grandson! I obviously need to take some pictures while they're here because I have none on my computer!
5. The Dishmons are coming! And not just to visit, they are moving here! Woohoo!
(And yes, I did steal that header from your blog, but I wanted a pic of the entire family!)
Have a wonderful weekend and a very happy Easter.
1. I bought an Ergo and get to pick it up today! I can't wait to use it and I can't wait to visit Papoose and see what the store is like!
2. Brennan's first Easter. I know he doesn't know what is going on yet, but I am excited. I can't wait to use his Easter basket I bought from Pottery Barn Kids!
3. My half-sister and nephews are coming visit! They get here on the 7th and I can't wait. I haven't seen them since Thanksgiving and I know they are all looking forward to meeting Brennan. We will also get to take them around the Navy base and will probably tour the Nautilus.
Isaiah
Tevin
Hollie
4. Kyle's dad is coming to visit! Larry and Linda will be here with us the weekend of the April 10th and the weekend of the 17th. I am excited for Kyle's dad to meet his very first grandson! I obviously need to take some pictures while they're here because I have none on my computer!
5. The Dishmons are coming! And not just to visit, they are moving here! Woohoo!
(And yes, I did steal that header from your blog, but I wanted a pic of the entire family!)
Have a wonderful weekend and a very happy Easter.
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