July 28

Went shopping today and she HAD to have her picture taken with The Biebs. Then she lucked out and got a sample of his "girlfriend" perfume. She carried it around all day. She's smitten!

July 27

I get the pleasure of sharing a bed with this little angel all week while we are in VA.

July 26

Hannah loving on her Mimi pillow again.

July 30

My baby girl is such a trooper! She had two teeth pulled today and didn't complain one little bit. I love her strength and her toughness. She hardly ever complains!

We had a great girls day together. We went to see "Brave" and then enjoyed an Icee treat together. We finished the day up with manicures and pedicures at home. She thanked me before bed for a wonderful day together. Anytime, baby girl, anytime!

July 29

A text message exchange between me and my brother:

Me: "It's been a rough week in Roanoke with mike's family. It got me thinking how I need to tell those I love that I love them. You are at the top of that list. Even though we don't talk much or see each other much - I love you big brother!!!"

Greg: "I know. No worries about that. Means more knowing you and kids are happy and well taken care of and ok then seeing or talking could ever do. Family is always understood. Hope you all find peace in this. Love you too and thanks for keeping me at top of list."

This simply makes me happy. Happier than most things have in a long time.

July 25

Today we spent the day shopping with Great Mimi. The kids were spoiled by her. When I told her it wasn't necessary, she scolded me and told me that she is a grandmother and that's what they do!! My kids always have such a good time with her and every time we come to VA, they always ask to see Great Mimi!

July 24

The kids got to spend te day with their cousins today. I took them to the zoo and to the star. Then it was back to grandma and grandpa's house for swimming and lots of go kart riding. Grandma even felt well enough for an hour to play a lot of UNO with all the kids. I know she cherished that time with them!

July 23

We are in VA again visiting and today Hannah asked mom if she had any perfume. Mom said that she may have some body spray that Hannah could use. Hannah told her that she only wants it if it will give her the "Mimi smell." She loves my mom SO MUCH and often talks about the "Mimi smell." I think it is her laundry detergent. Hannah even said that sometimes after I do laundry at Mimi's - her clothes have the "Mimi smell" for a long time and she loves it!

July 22

Today austin asked me "If you have a farm and it's sunny, do the chickens go cock a doodle do??"

July 16

A full day at the beach and the pool! Woo hoo!!!

July 21

Headin home from the beach today. What a great week with family and friends. Austin said it best as we were pulling out of the beach house driveway: "I don't wanna leave the beach."

My kids had a great time. Austin has become Owen's shadow. He loves him soooooo much. All of our kids get along so great. We are so lucky to hve the Thomas family in our lives!

July 20

Last full day at the beach!! The kids had a great time in the ocean. Austin and Hannah both love it and are like little fishes!!

We took a bike ride to the general store this afternoon for an ice cream treat. Then we had a family cookout just the four of us. It was a great ending to a great week.

July 19

We did a little shopping today and then came back to the beach house so daddy and Hannah could take a bike ride on the beach and Austin and I took a bike ride around the neighborhood then a dip in the pool/hot tub.

July 18

Today we all got up early and played tennis. Hannah loves it! She is getting soooo good too!! Love it!

July 17

Went to play putt today (a very happy Austin!!) and lunch and ice cream next. Then off to Sea Pines to play at the park and tour the lighthouse and then a visit to the stables - and we even got to pet a deer!!

July 15

Taco night tonight! And lots of quality time with our family!

July 14

Headed to Hilton Head with our best buds!! It's gonna be a great week!!!

July 13

Went to a BBQ for Hannah's soccer team tonight. What a great time! Spent most of the day packing for our big beach trip. Can't wait!!

July 12

A few more sweet Hannah moments from the past:

I asked Hannah if she wanted to take her umbrella to school and she said "But I don't know how to turn it on and off."

I told her she looked pretty before school. She slumped, sighed and said "Thanks." I said "What's wrong?" She replied "My hair looks exhausting!"

July 11

The next few days are going to be filled with some great memories that I quickly jotted down but never published. They happened a long time ago buy I didn't want to forget them - so I have saved them to put in place of days that were otherwise pretty status quo around here.

A while back, we were moving cars around in the driveway (musical cars) and Hannah was directing traffic. I parked the truck and realized that A fun song was on the radio. I turned it way up and just started jamming. Next thing I know, Hannah was busting a move in the middle of the driveway. We danced together to the whole song. She even stopped halfway thru and ran in and for her brother. Out he comes, just socks on, climbs in my lap and jams with us. It was a great, spontaneous fun filled dance party in the driveway. Man I love my kids!

July 10

Hannah had her first orthodontist appointment and she has to have a lot of teeth pulled in the very near future. My poor baby girl. I hate it that she is going to have to go through this.... She is a tough little cookie though.

July 8

Today Hannah told Mike she needs a boyfriend. When he asked her why, she said that Morgan is eight and she's already had 10 boyfriends. Mike quickly tried to discourage her from thinking she needed one and told her that he would be her boyfriend. If only she could stay little forever....

July 9

Well, we are home from VA and this morning, Austin woke up with a stomach bug. Not the best way to spend a summer day - but I must admit I enjoyed all the cuddle time and playing UNO with my baby boy!

July 7

We took a walk with Mimi today and ten had an impromptu lunch with Mimi and Papa at pizza hut. I am loving all this time with my parents!!

July 6

We spent the evening at Matt and Beth's house tonight. Mary Beth and Brian came too and it was awesome to see all of us together with our kids. I am so grateful to still keep in touch with these girls after so many years. I think it illustrates what true friendship is.

July 5

Another great day in VA, hanging out with Mimi and Papa!

July 4

Came in to Roanoke today and spent it at grandma and grandpa's house. The kids had a blast riding the tractor and the go cart and swimming in the pool!

July 3

Hannah made a taco dinner for us all tonight. Yum!!!! And Austin got in on the action with some brownie making (and some spoon licking!!)

July 2

Mimi puts Hannah to bed with her own blankie and pillow. Every night when Mimi goes to bed, Hannah has taken over Mimi's pillow and her side of the bed. This girl lives her some Mimi!!

July 1

Still no power in VA, so out plans to go in and spend the week have changed. We met my dad in Winston-Salem and brought back the kids. My mom is staying here while Mike is out of town working. Wish things were different - was really looking forward to spending time at my parents house!

June 30

Today I worked while the kids were in VA. Mom is still here with me and we enjoyed a lovely day around the house, followed by an evening out of dinner and shopping. I love my one on one time with my momma!

June 29

The kids and Mike went to VA for the weekend and a huge storm hit there. They lost power and the temperature was a record in the 100s. Try still had fun swimming in grandma and grandpa's pool though!!