The Summer of Relaxation

This is the cutest thing I have seen in a while and I think it's the perfect image to kick off our Summer of Relaxation.  Last year we were packing and moving during this time into our new home. This year, while there is still plenty to do around the house, I think we need to step back and appreciate where we've come from and relax. 

spaces design

Although....I am struggling with what color to paint the downstairs bathroom....

Falling for it...

Image via Wikipedia

I love the fall season!  Memories of racking leaves and jumping into the piles,  hiding under the crisp yellow and orange leaves...sometimes you just have to be a kid again.
I've noticed that the red leaves are getting harder and harder to find come fall.  Driving down the road, I can't help but ponder the beauty that is all around.

Mark's mom Sheila was visiting with us this past week. We were happy to have our first house guest at our new home and we enjoyed her company very much.  Drive to Copper Harbor with the kids, Na-na's family spaghetti recipe, raspberry cheesecake, zuppa toscani soup, and a Steeler game were just some of the moments shared.  

Every year I fall in love with fall...it's time to wrap yourself up in a nice cozy sweater...better yet, snuggle with the ones you love!

Grandma Sheila with Trevor and Sophie

Mom, Mark and I  at Copper Harbor Brockway Mountain

After asking them to "pretend like they like each other"  Fun!

Never miss a chance for a family photo!

When you are out and about with the entire family, never miss an opportunity to stop and ask someone to take a photo of all of you together. These times are so few and far between.

I love this photo of me, Mark, Trevor and Sophie.  It was a great day spent together and the photo is a great reminder.  Perhaps I will have it enlarged, printed in black and white for one of the walls at home! 
Thank you to the woman who was nice enough to stop and give a few minutes to take our photo!

Family Day, 2010

Happy Birthday to Mark!!

         Mark and I celebrated his birthday with of course, a delicious meal at the Waterfront.  
The size of his prime rib was Guinness book worthy...afterwards we took a leasurly stroll along the waterfront.  Great evening!  
Mark told me "It feels good to have gotten so many great birthday wishes!"  I replied: "You're a pretty great guy!"

Mark and his delicious meat!

The Bridge:  Repair work after an evening where it was stuck for several hours. 

Happy 40th! No way!!

Happy Birthday to me!!
Yes indeed! I had a happy happy day! Mark surprised me all day long from morning until night. First I woke up to his smiling face with one of my favorites a Chamilia gift bag. A new charm to add to my bracelet that he picked out with Trevor's help! Then I was off to work where I was greeted with light teasing about the 4oth but mostly well wishes for a happy day. By mid afternoon, boss-Nick comes to ask me to help him move some items around and I followed him downstairs where I was greeted by "SURPRISE!!" Mark, and my wonderful co-workers sporting birthday hats and singing happy birthday to me; I blew out the big "40" birthday candles and we laughed together while enjoying my favorite cake in the world, black forest cherry torte, ordered special from Mark.
We ended the evening with an incredible dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant located on the canal in Hancock. My steak was cooked perfectly and after only one glass of wine, I was relaxed, content, and ready to call it a night.
Wow....I am old!
Felt wonderful to be treated so special all day long! I love my family and friends! Mark continues to surprise me with his unconditional love! Trevor and Sophie too!

Today while sitting at work I have my beautiful red gerber daisies to enjoy along with my bright red balloons. Fun reminders of a fun day!

Our NEW HOME!!
We are beyond excited about our new home in Lake Linden!!
Packing and moving is not very fun but when we get to move to such a beautiful home and make it our own we don't mind at all!
The kids each picked out their rooms and their own color schemes.
We can't wait to host a housewarming party!!
More pictures to follow for sure...

We said farewell to Trevor last night as he boarded the bus with his fellow 8th Grade class trip participants....headed to New York City!!
Of course we will miss him but we can't wait to hear about the bite he takes out of the big apple...hopefully he comes back with some very fun pictures to share. I'm sure he is making memories that will last forever.