KerryAndGabe.com

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me smile this week: We got back our framed family photo from Catherine Keene Photography. I love it! Now we just have to figure out where we want to hang it.

Something I’m thinking: I like watching the cake shows (lately, we’ve been watching Cake Boss and I recorded a few Ace of Cakes to try). I love fancy cakes!! It makes me so nervous when they transport the cakes. I’m always afraid they are going to drop it and ruin the whole thing (which actually happened on Cake Boss recently, so it does happen!). I do wonder if some of the “disasters” and drama on Cake Boss are real or orchestrated by the production crew.

Something I am hoping: I hope I’m not getting sick! I woke up with a bit of a cough/congestion in my chest, and I’m hoping it goes away. I haven’t felt too bad today though I know it’s “there.” Hopefully, I’ll be just fine in the morning.

Something happening around the house: Our house is still a bit of a wreck from the games day/night that we hosted on Saturday. We had a great time! Both Gabe and I were able to play some boardgames and get in some time playing with the little kids.

Something I’m reading: Other than a few articles here and there from Parenting magazines, I’m not reading much. I keep thinking about starting a new book, but I haven’t been motivated.

Something tasty I ate this week: We had some very tasty and healthy meals this week with some items from our produce box. We grilled chicken twice this week and had steaks on the grill another night. Along with our grilled meats, we had fresh green beans, fresh corn on the cob, and mashed red potatoes. All of the veggies came from The Produce Box. I didn’t realize how much that I liked fresh green beans and fresh corn (though I do like to cut it off the cob, but that’s another story).

Something Maddie did this week: She’s starting to get the hang of this sleeping thing. This week, she stayed in the crib asleep from bedtime until 6:40am (yes, pretty much precisely 6:40am) at least 3 times. For us, this is a miracle.

Something I struggled with this week: Maddie has started to become a bit of a bully when it comes to other pint-sized visitors to our house. She’s quite possessive of her toys, even the ones she normally doesn’t give a lick about. She’s even learned the word, “mine.” Where did she learn that? I’m pretty sure we don’t say it. We do say things like, “no, Maddie, that’s Mommy’s” but I don’t think we say “that’s mine” to her? Where did she learn “mine?”

Something I’m doing towards my goals: Hrm, nothing specific, really. I have thought about starting on Maddie’s Christmas stocking. The year is half over, and it’s going to take me a while to cross-stitch. I know I need to get started sooner than later. Gabe doesn’t think I can do it.

Something I learned this week: How to play the board game Maori. Earl and Michelle brought this one to games night, and Gabe and I were both able to play it (separately). The game is fairly quick, and I liked it. I’ll have to add it to my wish list…

Something I’m looking forward to next week: We have poker and a few play dates this week. Fun stuff!

Something random: I had a realization the other day that my mother may not have always been a morning person. I asked her to confirm. Yep. Before I was born, my mom was most certainly NOT a morning person. So weird. I just assumed my whole life that she was a morning person naturally. I had no idea that she was a morning person out of necessity…and now here I am, waking up before 7am every day and actually functioning.

Something I captured: Gabe got out his guitar and played a few songs for Maddie. As soon as he sat down on the floor with the guitar, Maddie sat down in front of him just like she does at music class at school. It was so cute!!!

We celebrated Maddie’s 15-month mark in the middle of the Atlantic. This installment of Letters to Maddie is a few days late due to our trip! (more…)

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me smile this week: Getting our proofs from Catherine Keene Photography.

Something I’m thinking: I’m thinking that I probably should start figuring out what we’re going to do in Bermuda since our trip is coming up fast!

Something I am hoping: I’m hoping that Maddie adjusts better to her new classroom soon. She’s just not quite used to the teachers and gets upset when I leave her. It’s been difficult as I enjoy visiting her at lunch. I’ve had to visit her far less often than I would like since it disrupts her day.

Something happening around the house: The cleaners came on Tuesday, but by now it’s a little hard to tell.

Something I’m reading: I finished Shopaholic Ties the Knot, started and finished Shopaholic & Sister and started Shopaholic & Baby. I guess I should stop reading fluff and get back to some book club selections or maybe something with a bit more substance…

Something tasty I ate this week: We weren’t sure what to do with the cabbage from our Produce Box, so we tried this Beef and Cabbage recipe from Audrey. Both of us thought we hated cabbage and that we weren’t going to like it. We both admitted it was quite tasty.

Something Maddie did this week: Maddie woke up Monday with her eyes crusted shut due to an infection that had spread to her eyes and ears. This marked her 3rd ear infection, and we started her on an antibiotic. It was basically the same one that she HATED taking last time but flavored with grape. She couldn’t get enough of it.

Something I struggled with this week: This week I struggled with shoe shopping for Maddie. Towards the end of the week, I thought that I had found a cute pair of shoes for her. Testing them out this weekend shows them to be a poor choice as they won’t stay on her feet. How frustrating!

Something I’m doing towards my goals: I haven’t done anything in particular towards my goals this week, aside from a few of the obvious ongoing ones. Maybe we’ll cancel our Netflix subscription today or organize the board games.

Something I learned this week: I’m not sure I’ve learned anything from it, but I’ve heard WAY too much about the swine flu.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: Hrm, in the last few weeks, some of the things I’ve been looking forward to have been canceled or postponed (like last week’s book club and a playdate a few weeks ago). Should I mention that I’m looking forward to Mother’s Day? They can’t cancel that, right??

Something I captured: Maddie sporting her first ever ponytail. Ha!

We are quite pleased with our latest session with Catherine Keene Photography! We are going to have a hard time deciding which photos to order. Most of our session took place at NC State with a few photos taken at our house. Click on the photo below to see the session photos.

Team B-Patrol represented well in 2009′s Triangle MS Walk. Thanks to the support of many of you, we exceeded our $5,000 goals. Special thanks to Catherine Keene Photography and Whimsical Cookies who arranged special deals to benefit Team B-Patrol. You still have time to take advantage of the deal from Catherine Keene Photography…just one more day to book your session. Sessions can take place anytime in 2009.

I hope to post more photos from the event soon. We had a great turnout with 13 adults, 3 kids, and 7 dogs. I am proud of our team!

We are expecting a few more donations between now and the fundraising deadline of May 18th. Check out our team’s progress:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/goto/team_bpatrol

Congratulations, Team B-Patrol!

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me smile this week: This week, Maddie started calling me “mama!” I’ve been waiting for that for a long time!

Something I’m thinking: I’m thinking about reorganizing my blog tags. My tag cloud is out of control with tags that rarely will get used as well as redundant tags.

Something I am hoping: I’m hoping that everyone will be healthy again soon. Maddie and I have been sick, Gabe has a sunburn from the MS walk, Maddie may or may not be teething, and we’re all tired.

Something happening around the house: We’ve been letting Maddie roam free in much of the downstairs (closely watched, of course). We have several circles that she can run in the house due to the open floorplan. She loves going around and around, especially when we chase her.

Something I’m reading: I read a little bit of Blink at the beginning of the week. I started and finished Shopaholic Takes Manhattan and started on Shopaholic Ties the Knot. I’m enjoying using our library system!

Something tasty I ate this week: Earlier this week, we had pork chops and fresh asparagus. YUM! I’m still enjoying The Produce Box. This week we had our first batch of fresh strawberries.

Something Maddie did this week: Maddie had a photoshoot with Catherine Keene Photography. I can’t wait to see how they turned out!

Something I struggled with this week: Maddie had probably the worst night she has had since her colic days. This happened on Friday night, so we were VERY tired for the MS Walk early Saturday morning. Friday night was awful with lots of screaming and very little sleeping. I think Gabe and I managed to sleep about 2 hours. This reminded me of how bad that it can be. I shouldn’t complain about Maddie’s “normal” nights. It’s also the type of night that makes us question whether or not Maddie really needs a sibling.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: We raised more money for the MS Society. We also booked a a trip to Cincinnati and bought tickets for a Reds game. In June, I should be able to check Attend a home baseball game for the Cincinnati Reds off of my list.

Something I learned this week: Toddler Converse All-Stars look adorable but will not stay on my toddler’s feet. Bummer.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: I’m looking forward to book club – almost forgot we were having it this week! Now I just need to remember The Book Thief, which seems like ages ago.

Something I captured: This year’s Team B-Patrol, representing in the bright, hot sun on Saturday:

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me smile this week: I went shopping this week to find a new dress for the cruises. The shopping doesn’t exactly make me smile – I generally hate shopping for clothes for myself. Finding the dress does make me smile, though.

Something I’m thinking: Well, I thought that Maddie might be teething last week, but she still does not have any new teeth. I’ve been wondering the last few days if maybe her extra sleep issues are due to her transition to the new classroom.

Something I am hoping: This is the last time before this year’s walk that you’ll see me hoping for this particular thing. Just like the past few weeks, I hope that our team can raise a bunch of money for the National MS Society. We have only a few days before the walk! Please visit us here:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/goto/team_bpatrol

Something happening around the house: Yesterday, we tried something different with Games Night. We started at 3pm, ordered pizza at dinnertime, and played games all day. We think it worked out quite well. It was a playdate for the littlest kids, video game time for the older kids, and board game time for the adults (well, those who weren’t attending to little kids). Good stuff.

Something I’m reading: I finished The Westing Game, and I checked it off this list. I started and finished my first library book, Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella. I started Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. None of these are for book club!

Something tasty I ate this week: At the beginning of this week, we had baked sweet potatoes from our The Produce Box. Surprisingly, I enjoyed my baked sweet potato. This is a shocker since I have claimed to hate sweet potatoes my entire life. Turns out they aren’t so bad afterall.

Something Maddie did this week: Maddie had an Easter egg hunt on Monday in her new classroom. She gathered one egg only because Keira’s mom put one in front of her. She wasn’t quick enough and was a little intimidated by all of the bigger kids. She’s just not quite used to her new classroom yet. She then gave away her only egg to one of the other kids in the class.

Something I struggled with this week: The transition to the new classroom has been tough on me. She gets very upset every time I leave her. She’s had a few fussy days. It’s an adjustment for everyone, but I’m sure it’s harder on me than it is on her.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: We raised more money for the National MS Society with emails and specials from our vendors. I also visited the library and checked out my first books!

Something I learned this week: Audrey added this category last week, and I think it’s a good one! This week, I learned how to use the library (very exciting) and how to cook turnips! We made mashed turnips, and they were actually pretty good.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: I’m not looking forward to either the eye doctor or dental appointments that I have this week, but I am looking forward to our MS Walk and photo session with Catherine Keene Photography.

Something I captured: We’re only 33% towards our goals for our MS Walk fundraising. Visit our site, every little bit helps:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/goto/team_bpatrol

I will continue to advocate for our team until we meet our goals! Below is a message that I recently sent to family and friends.

We are nearing the date of the Triangle MS Walk, and Team B-Patrol is attempting to raise $5,000 for the National MS Society. We need your help. This year, we have many ways that you can support our team! I know that times are tough financially, and we appreciate anything that you can do to help our efforts. Donating money is just one of many ways that you can benefit our team.

1. Make a donation: Help a team member make their goals or donate directly to our team. Visit our team’s website:
   http://www.nationalmssociety.org/goto/team_bpatrol

2. Join our team: We welcome new team members, especially the furry four-footed type. You can choose your fundraising goals and can walk with us on April 25th or join us as a virtual member to raise money and awareness for the National MS Society.
3. Purchase products from our partners: This year, we have a brand new way that you can help Team B-Patrol. Several small businesses have joined us in the fight against MS. See links at the bottom of this message. Please consider the special offers from Catherine Keene Photography, Whimsical Cookies, or ShambroLa Wood Art.
4. Forward this message to your friends and family. Spread the word. Help us make our goals!
5. Blog about our team, and I’ll post a blurb about your blog on my site.
6. Donate your Facebook status to our cause. A sample status: “wants you to help Team B-Patrol fight MS: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/goto/team_bpatrol”
7. Do you own a small business? Consider offering some specials and donate proceeds to our cause. Please talk to me if you can help, and I will feature you on the blog and spread the word.

My sister was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007. We feel that she was diagnosed early in the course of the disease, and we are optimistic for a cure. We are committed to raising money for the National MS Society to fund research and help other people diagnosed with the disease.

Catherine Keene Photography:
http://www.kerryandgabe.com/blog/2009/04/02/give-back-with-catherine-keene-photography/

Whimsical Cookies:
http://www.kerryandgabe.com/blog/2009/04/07/whimsical-cookies-cookies-for-a-cause/

ShambroLa Wood Art:
http://www.kerryandgabe.com/blog/2009/04/06/shambrola-wood-art-and-the-national-ms-society/

Our photographer, Catherine, is offering a very special deal for the month of April to benefit the National MS Society and our team. Please consider booking a session with Catherine! She lives in the Greater Charlotte area and can also do sessions on a limited basis in the Raleigh area. You can view her blog for current examples of her work. She has photographed our family several times in the past year, and we couldn’t be more pleased!

The following information is from her Spring newsletter:
This spring, Catherine Keene Photography is giving back to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. And you can help!

During the month of April, Catherine is donating half of all session fees to the National MS Society. And to thank you, her generous clients, each session booked during this time will receive a $100 print credit. A special gift will also be given with orders of $400 or more.

You do not have to schedule your session at this time. Just pay now, help fight MS today, and enjoy your print credit at any time in 2009.

To book a special MS session, please call 704-728-9158 or send an email to info@catherinekeene.com.

Certain limitations do apply. To receive $100 print credit, your portrait session must be completed by 12/31/2009. For further details contact Catherine Keene Photography.

I’m pretty behind on photos, but I guess that’s normal these days. When I found out that Catherine offers very reasonable one-year old birthday party packages, I decided that I wanted her to take photos at Maddie’s party. I am so glad that we had Catherine photograph the party. It was great for me to be able to enjoy the party and not worry about documenting everything. I’m pleased with the results! Click on the photo to view the rest of the party pictures.