First Grade Field Trip

My husband took the day off last Wednesday and we went on Landon's field trip together. We followed the bus because honestly who wants to ride with all those kids?! Just kidding (kind of). We went to Westmoreland Berry Farm where the kids learned about strawberries and how they grow. We picked strawberries and got to ride on a hay ride. It was a lot of fun but exhausting. We had to take Harper with us but she had a good time too.

It is hard to believe that the school year is coming to a close in just two weeks. I can't believe Landon will soon be a big 2nd grader. I don't know where the time went. It feels like he was just a baby and now he is 7 years old. I look at Harper sometimes and I think I just can't wait for her to be a little older so things will be easier. Then I have to kick myself because I know I will turn around and be going on her 1st grade trip too. Time flies by way too fast. I think it goes by quicker the older you get.

Here are a few photos from our day. They were all taken with my phone so they aren't great quality. We had a good time and the kids slept the whole way home.

Superbowl!

I'm sure everyone and their mother watched the Superbowl. It's only one of the most watched shows ever. We geared up for the game by wearing some Ravens gear and baking Ravens cupcakes. We went to my father in laws for the game and ate wings, cheese sticks, shrimp, buffalo chicken dip and every other awful thing you can think of. Oh so good, but so terrible for you (dieting starts now!) It was a close game and eventful. I loved Beyonce's half time show and I especially loved that it was all GIRLS! The Sandy Hook choir made me cry and the lights going off irritated me, but our boys won! Woot!! Here are some pics from the day.

 Ready!

 Looking so grown up here.

 Sporting her Ravens bow.

 WINGS!

  Ravens Cupcakes

 Father in law decorated

The ONLY Ravens thing available in the state of WV. Not even kidding. 

So happy that the Ravens won, but the 49ers played an amazing game as well! Hats off to them! I wish we could be in Baltimore to celebrate tomorrow!!

Inauguration and updates

I went to Washington DC for the inauguration with my husband, brother and future sister in law. Josh got us tickets through his work. It was so cool to be there during the inauguration. We didn't get to see much because of how crowded it was, but it is so awesome to know that we were there. We spent the weekend in Baltimore and went to DC a few days before the inauguration to walk around.

 We also got to go and see our house. Yes, our house!!! We are now proud home owners!! We are just waiting for the closing date which should be soon! I am so excited for this new chapter in our lives. We finally have roots and know we aren't moving in a year!!! It is such an amazing feeling!!!!

 Brother & husband

Inside the Treasury 

Part of the Berlin Wall at the Newseum.

 At the Newseum.

 Hubby & I

 Snipers on top of the White House

 Barney.. I don't even know.

And last but not least.. OUR NEW HOUSE!! WOO!!!

Newtown, CT

Twenty families sent their kids to school on Friday. They made them breakfast, got them dressed, got them on the school bus or dropped them off at school. They gave kisses and promised that they would be right there to pick them up. They never got to. Twenty families of little boys and little girls forever changed. You don't send your child to school and think that you may never get to pick them up. It doesn't work like that. It shouldn't work like that. The world we live in today is a sad and scary one. As much as we want to protect our children from every single thing, we can't. I wish I could put my kids in a bubble and never let them out, but I can't. I can't promise tomorrow. I can only promise to love them today.

Twenty six families whose lives are forever changed. I can't even fathom the grief those parents feel. It's unimaginable. There are just no words for this horrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the family of the teachers and administrators who tried their best to save those children. They are true heroes. May they all rest in peace.

This evening I lit a candle for the 26 victims in Newtown. I am going to love on my kids and count my blessings and pray for a better, safe world. A world where we don't have to worry about our children being shot in school.

28 years old

Today is my 28th birthday. There is only one hour left of my special day. I thought I would share 10 things I've learned in 28 years. I'd do 28 but I'm tired and I still have a lot to learn.

1. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. This especially rings true after the death of a dear friend and her unborn son in October.
2. Not everyone is going to like you. And that's okay.
3. When all else fails take a nap.
4. Enjoy the small things. Get on the floor and play with your kids. Watch the sunrise. Stay in bed on a rainy Saturday.
5. Take care of yourself first and foremost. Because if you are down then how can you take care of the kids or anyone else?
6. Sometimes it just takes a manicure and a pedicure to make yourself feel good.
7. Don't forget to pray. Everyday.
8. Pay it forward. Because what goes around comes around.
9. Remember to breathe. God won't give you more then you can handle.
10. Love unconditionally.

I had a good birthday surrounded by my little family. I have amazing friends and an amazing family. I'm looking forward to the next year and making it the best yet. Time to get healthy and put down roots.

Because number 8 is important to me I'm going to pay it forward with a giveaway at the end of the week. So stay tuned!

Happy 1st Birthday Harper!

 

A year ago today at 4:41 pm you came into this world screaming, crying and peeing all over the place (according to your grandma). The little girl that I had so longed for, but wasn't sure would ever come to be. You were perfect. Seven pounds and fourteen ounces of pure bliss.Your daddy was half a world away in Afghanistan, but with us in heart. As soon as I saw you and the nurse said you had my dimple I was in love. A love so grand and instantaneous. Your brother was the first to hold you, and he loves you so. Nowadays you follow him around and bug him, but I know that the love you two will have will last forever. 

The last twelve months have been amazing. I worried if I could ever love the second child as much as the first. I found you can. Your heart just grows in size to fit all the love. You amaze me every single day. You love to chase the dog while screaming Ellie at the top of your lungs. Your laugh is infectious, and I love watching you learn. I know that the years to come will be just as amazing. I can't believe you are one today. Time goes by too quickly. 

Dearest Harper, your daddy & I love you more then words can express. One day when you become a mother you will understand. You are my sunshine and my heart and soul. You make every day so great. I look forward to many more years of birthdays, hugs and smiles. Happy 1st Birthday baby girl. I love you.

Mommy

Oh Christmas Tree

 

Beautiful tree and Harper sneaking in the picture

I put up our tree today. Actually I put it up yesterday and it was the leaning tower of Treeza (my husband named it that). So we had to take it down and go buy a new base today. So I wrestled the tree back up today and finished decorating it. It was a good idea to buy plastic ornaments because Harper just LOVES to take the ornaments off and throw them. Oye. It is Beautiful though and I love it. I think we should have a Christmas tree up year round.

Hi!

Hi! Long time, no blog. I had to switch back to blogger because godaddy.com will NOT let me into my account. That is a LONG story. So I guess so long loveandlattes.com for now (even though I'm still getting charged for it). To say I'm frustrated is an understatement, but I'm back to blogging again because I really missed it!

Landon is now in first grade and doing so well. He is thriving and loving his teacher. My husband has decided to get out of the Army so we are in the process of going through all of that. It's been pretty stressful around here. All we've ever known is the Army so this is a huge change for us. Harper will be 11 months old this month. I can't believe it! I'm starting to plan for her first birthday party.

I'm still trying to get everything set up and give this blog a makeover. So until it's all ready here are some pics from the last few months.