I Have A Confession to Make...

This is really embarrassing - but it's time for me to stop hiding. I'll feel so much better once I admit this to you...

I LOVE the new Britney Spears album.

Don't hate. I wish I didn't like her music...but I do.

I think Britney has been a terrible role model for this generation's youth...and I'm still not convinced that she can really sing outside of the studio...but I think it's great that she is dealing with her issues and getting healthy. She is one HECK of an entertainer - and she makes really good work-out music. Thanks, Britney.

Just added to the "Cardio" play list on my purple iPod mini:

"Womanizer" - Britney Spears
"Circus" - Britney Spears
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" - Beyonce

Oh, yes.

Treadmill, here I come...

The Charlotte Family Buzz

As the Nanny of two engergetic, inquisitive, curious little boys, I'm always looking for new activities to do with them everyday.

Liz told me about The Charlotte Family Buzz earlier this week...and it's so great! Click on the link and it'll give you the "buzz" about what's going on around Charlotte for kids and families. The best part about the activities listed on this site is that you can participate in many of them for little or NO cost!

Toby and I are going to "Boogie Woogie Books" at ImaginOn today...and he's so excited. If you're anywhere near Uptown this morning, join us at 11:15 for some singing, dancing, and reading!

Tragedy at The Citadel

I am deeply disturbed this morning.

As you know, my brother attends The Citadel military college in Charleston, SC. At 9 o'clock last night, Bryn called my parents to tell them that a Junior in his company had been found dead in the barracks. All signs point to suicide.

I talked to Bryn for a while last night and he's having a hard time processing everything that happened. Out of respect for the cadet's family and The Citadel, I don't want to reveal any of the details my brother shared with me until we know exactly what happened.

Please keep the Citadel Cadets (specifically the men of November Company) in your prayers. Pray for peace of mind, comfort, healing, rest, and support for the cadets. I can't imagine how difficult the next few days and weeks will be for each of them.

Piano Lessons and ABCD's

Over the holidays, Mike and Liz took some great videos of the boys that I wanted to share with you.

This first video is Sam at his first piano recital in November! He had been taking lessons at Queens University every Wednesday for about 10 weeks before this performance. As you can see, he was a little shy (or NOT!). His next semester of piano lessons starts tonight!



This next video is Toby singing his "ABCD's" (as he calls them). He's talking SO MUCH these days! Can you imagine? I wonder which 5-year-old brother he gets that from?



If you want to see more videos of the boys, Mike and Liz have many more posted on their YouTube acocunt.

Little Miss Gracen

When my friend Lindsay told me that her friends Diane and John wanted me to take photos of their 3-week-old baby, Gracen, I was beyond excited. I absoutely love photographing children...and there's something about capturing photos of a baby in her first few weeks of life that is extra-special. Gracen is one of the most laid-back babies I've ever met and she was a dream to photograph.

I think I spent just as much time talking to and getting to know Diane and John as I did taking photos of Gracen. I left their house on Saturday with new friends and some great photos of their beautiful family.

Here are a few of my favorites:

I have a feeling that Aaron and I will be seeing lots more of Diane, John, and baby Gracen :) I can't wait to watch their family grow!

Don't Do It.

Along with 95 percent of the rest of the world, Aaron and I are trying to ring in the new year with better eating habits and wiser food choices.

During a moment of weakness this afternoon, I texted Aaron:

I've been doing really well watching my calories today...but I want chocolate or sugar so badly right now. QUICK! Talk me out of it!

My loving, bluntly honest husband's reply:

Don't do it. It will add jiggle to your outer thighs.

See? I knew he would do a good job of talking me down from the ledge...and I love him for it.

:)

Vacation 2009

Now that the year 2009 is officially upon us, Aaron and I have begun thinking about where we would like to vacation this summer. It'll be hard to beat Oregon, but we sure as heck will try.

We're thinking somewhere where there are no beds. Or toilets. Or showers. Or restaurants.

Just each other, the great outdoors, our backpacks, and (hopefully) two best friends who will share the journey with us.

We're thinking Yellowstone. Or Grand Teton. Or the Grand Canyon.

We'll keep you updated :)