My Favorite Music

Some of my friends have been exchanging CD's with their favorite songs on them, so I thought I would join the fun. I compiled two CD's with my favorite songs and added a print-out with the reason I liked the song. While I can't give everyone a copy of the music, I thought I'd include the print-out here. Check out the songs! I know you've probably heard several of them, if not most of them, but there may be a gem hidden here and there.

These CD’s are a compilation of songs that I love. I enjoy each one for different reasons—one may have poignant lyrics, another may have fantastic music, and others were significant at certain points in my life. I’ve tried to include a description of why each song is here and why they are special to me. Bear with me… you’ll probably learn more about me and my past then you could have hoped.

CD 1: Rock, Ska, and Misc.

1. Church on Sunday (Green Day, “Warning”)

I first heard this song in High School thanks to George. He made me a CD our Senior year and this song was on it. The funny story is that George wasn’t a member of the Church when we first started dating and later converted and was baptized. Besides that, it’s a great upbeat song AND it has a triplet at the end… well, unless you’re a musician, that means nothing to you. It’s cool, let’s just put it like that.

“If I promise to go to church on Sunday, will you go with me on Friday night? If you live with me, I’ll die for you, and let’s compromise!”

2. The Science of Selling Yourself Short (Less Than Jake, “Anthem”)

I think this song just sounds fun.  The lyrics are clever and bitter (typical of this kind of music), but it’s really the music that makes this song great. It’s Ska, so it’s loud and brassy in some parts, which I think is fantastic and super fun to run to.

3. Hook (Blues Traveler, “Four”)

I’m sure most of you have heard this song before. It’s fun to listen to, but it’s true genius is lost on the listener unless you pay attention to the lyrics. It’s clever and basically making fun of the current music industry that essentially “sells out”. And where else can you hear a true harmonica virtuoso? It’s incredible. Look up the lyrics sometime… it’s worth it!

“To confuse the issue all the more, familiar heroes from long ago… what made the Pan refuse to grow? It’s that the hook brings you back.”

4. Good Thing (Reel Big Fish, “Cheer Up!”)

A few things about this song. I love this song thanks to George. We were in High School and I was supposed to break up with him (you know, because you shouldn’t be in a serious relationship in HS) and he thought we should stay together. This was one of the songs on the CD he gave me our Senior year. Second, I think Reel Big Fish is a very talented band. They do lots of covers for other songs and while some of their music is a bit shady, they are extremely talented.

“You know we’ve got a good thing going and I don’t want to see it end.”

5. Lovers of Loving Love (The Aquabats, “The Aquabats vs. the Floating Eye of Death”)

Hilarious! Another Ska song that I think is fantastic.

“I’m so happy that I’m a boy and you’re a girl, all right!”

6. Sweat (Bob Marley)

Okay, I just like this song. It’s funny, upbeat, and great if you’re exercising. Okay, it’s a little naughty, but just pretend he’s talking about working out really hard. 

7. She’s So Cool (Jeffries Fan Club,  “Nothing to Prove”)

Another Ska song that’s fun.

“I’m a dork, yeah she’s so cool. I’m ugly, she’s beautiful. She’s so smart, I’m just a fool. And I just can’t figure it out, I just don’t understand—why does she love me?”

8. The Impression That I Get (Mighty Mighty Bosstones)

This is George’s favorite Ska band. While they have tons of songs I’m sure most people haven’t heard, this one was popular on the mainstream radio about 12 years ago and will give you a taste for their band.

9. Eternal Flame (The Bangles, “The Essential Bangles”)

I just like this song. It’s funny and so ‘80’s.

10. Just Another Day in Paradise (Phil Vassar, “Phil Vassar: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1”)

This is where I got the name for my blog. Yes, I know it’s country, but I love it. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be great. You hit bumps in the road along the journey of life, but more often than not, life is paradise!

“It’s okay, it’s so nice, just another day in paradise where there’s no place I’d rather be. It’s two hearts, one dream—I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And I ask the Lord, every night, for just another day in paradise!”

11. Africa (Toto, “The Essential Toto”)

Another song from the ‘80’s that I’m sure is popular with most people.

12. Intermission (The Offspring)

Welcome to intermission…

13. I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher, “Look At Us”)

Fun, upbeat, and happy. I like this song a lot.

14. Dreams (Cranberries)

The Cranberries have several other songs that I enjoy, particularly “Linger” and “Zombie”. Maybe what I love most, beside the lyrics, is the vocal quality of the singers. The songs are fun to listen to because the singers are talented and do interesting things with their voices. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you hear it.

“And now I tell you openly, you have my heart so don’t hurt me. You’re what I couldn’t find.  A totally amazing mind, so understanding and so kind. You’re everything to me.”

15. Isn’t That Everything (Danielle Peck, “Danielle Peck”)

I know this is country, but it’s a great song. I love the perspective it gives—that really all the important things in life are right here. It doesn’t matter if we have a million dollars or designer sheets on our beds, we have friends, food, shelter and love. Isn’t that everything?

16. Elephant Love Medley (Ewan McGregor/Nicole Kidman, “Moulin Rouge [Original Soundtrack]”)

I don’t think I’ve even seen this whole movie, but I love several of the songs on the soundtrack. Doubtless you are all familiar with this song, but I love it so it earned a spot on the CD.

17. Wouldn’t It Be Nice  (The Beach Boys, “Pet Sounds”)

I remember thinking this when I was in High School. It was always so frustrating that we were always “too young”.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older, than we wouldn’t have to wait so long…”

18. I’ll Do Anything (Jason Mraz, “Waiting for My Rocket to Come”)

I think Jason Mraz is extremely talented and his songs are often very clever. I’m sure most people have heard “Lucky” and “I’m Yours”, so I chose one of his less-well-known songs to play. Listen to the lyrics. They are actually quite funny with lots of play-on words.

19. Just What I Needed (The Cars, “Greatest Hits”)

We had to have representation from the ‘70’s so here you go. It’s a fun song to listen to and would be fun to exercise to.

20. Alone (Heart, “Greatest Hits—1985-1995”)

I’m a sucker for power ballads and this one is great and not as well known as others (I think).

21. I’ve Got a Feeling (The Beatles, “Let It Be… Naked”)

George’s favorite Beatles song… and that’s saying a lot because he’s obsessed!

22. It’s All Coming Back to Me (Celine Dion)

I love Celine Dion. I’ve always like this song, even when I was a little girl.

CD 2: Love Songs/Soft

1. Angel of the Morning (Juice Newton, “Angel of the Morning”)

Thanks to Shaggy, you all probably know a version of this song. It actually first came out in the ‘60’s but wasn’t made popular until the ‘80’s with this cover.

2. Call and Answer (Barenaked Ladies, “All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001”)

This song has a back-story. After I had gone through my divorce, I got back in touch with George who was reluctant to start a relationship with me again because he had been burned multiple times by me in the past. After we got married, he played this song for me and said that when we started dating again, this song stated almost exactly how he felt.  While that makes me a little sad (let’s face it, this song makes me look like a bad person), I love this song. It’s beautiful, a little sad, but also hopeful.

“If you call, I will answer. And if you fall, I’ll pick you up…”

3. Nightswimming (R.E.M., “In Time – The Best of R.E.M.”)

George introduced this song to me as one that he really enjoys. Yes, it’s talking about skinny-dipping, but it’s really more than that. It’s about the life of yesterday, the memories, the glory of being young and how exciting life was. It’s a reminiscing song and even though most of us probably never went skinny-dipping, we can all relate to the feelings that come from remembering…

4. Unchained Melodies (Righteous Brothers)

I think this may be my all-time favorite song. I never get tired of listening to it. I also enjoy “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” but this tops it by far. It’s the perfect love song and it’s performed amazingly. Maybe the reason I love it so much is because it reminds me of my mom and dad growing up. They loved this song and would play it and dance sometimes.

5. You’re the Inspiration (Chicago, “The Very Best of Chicago—Only the Beginning”)

I know you all know this song, but I had to include it just to represent Chicago and Peter Cetera. If you’re not that familiar with Chicago, check them out! They have some GREAT songs out there!

6. Paperweight (Joshua Radin & Schuyler Fisk, “Dear John” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

This song is beautiful. I happened upon on while surfing iTunes and fell in love. It’s one of those songs you keep repeating. Every time I hear it, I remember that life doesn’t always turn out the way you expect. I need to make sure I don’t take George for granted, that every second with him is precious.

“And no need to worry--that’s wasting time. And no need to wonder what’s been on my mind: it’s you.”

7. Just Breathe (Pearl Jam, “Backspacer”)

I heard this song for the first time on 106.1 FM here in Charlottesville and thought it was beautiful. A good reminder that what’s really important in this life is the relationships we have with our loved ones. When I listen to it, I find myself thinking about my dad who passed away 9 years ago.

8. White Flag (Dido)

Another back-story. So, after my divorce when I was trying to rekindle a relationship with George, he actually turned me down. He was dating someone else at the time and wasn’t sure he wanted to jump into a relationship that would likely fail, if the past were anything to judge by. I was devastated. This song explains perfectly how I felt during that time.

“I will go down with this ship; I won’t put up my hands and surrender. There will be no white flag above my door. I’m in love, and always will be.”

9. Storybook Love (Mark Knopfler, The Princess Bride Soundtrack)

Great movie, great song! I’ve always felt like my story with George is like a fairytale which is probably why I love this song so much. And it’s just nice to listen to.

“My love is like a storybook story, but it’s as real as the feelings I feel. It’s as real as the feelings I feel.”

10. The Weary Kind (Ryan Bingham, “Crazy Heart” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

I think this song is nice to listen to. I like the simplicity of the instrumentation and I love his gravely voice.

11. Glitter in the Air (P!nk, “Funhouse”)

I know you all know this song, but it’s a fantastic song—beautiful and poignant. And very atypical of P!nk.

“The breath before the kiss and the fear before the pain… have you ever felt this way?”

12. Hallelujah (Rufus Wainwright, “Shrek” Motion Picture Soundtrack)

I think this song is beautiful. I love the biblical references and the cleverness of the lyrics (for example, in the beginning he describes a musical cord while singing the exact cord—okay, I’m a dork). It’s also full of feeling. If you’ve ever experienced heartbreak, you can relate to this song. It really does put the feelings of loneliness in words you can understand. I have to admit in the past I have listened to this song and cried because it so accurately described what I was feeling at the time. Dramatic, I know.

“Love is not a victory march, it’s a cold and broken ‘hallelujah’.”

13. The Power of Love (Celine Dion, “My Love (Ultimate Essential Collection)”)

I like running to this song. It’s actually the power ballads that give me the most energy when I run (or clean the house).

14. Two Sparrows in a Hurricane (Tanya Tucker)

I remember listening to this song as a little girl. My mom is a country fan and we listened to Tanya Tucker and Reba McIntire all the time. I love this song, especially now that I’m married with kids and making due as a poor student family. This song goes through the life of two lovers who make it through, despite the odds.

“Like to sparrows in a hurricane, trying to find their way. With a head full of dreams and faith that can move anything. They’ve heard it’s all uphill, but all they know is how they feel. The world says they’ll never make it, but love says they will.”

15. Long, Long Time (Mindy McCready)

This isn’t the original production of this song, but I like this version a lot. George introduced me to this song, too. We dated in High School and then went to separate colleges. While he was on his mission I met and married another man. He listened to this song and cried when he got back from his mission and realized fully it was over. When we did finally get married later, we put together a CD with songs that told our story. This is the song he chose for that part of our lives.

“And I’ve done everything I know to try and make you mine. And I think it’s going to hurt me for a long, long time.”

16. Calico Skies (Paul McCartney, “Flaming Pie”)

Anything Beatles is great. I just think this song is sweet.

“I’ll hold you for as long as you like. I’ll hold you for the rest of my life.”

17. Turn Me On (Norah Jones, “Come Away With Me”)

I love this song! It’s sensual and Norah always has beautiful piano music. A great song to play for “adult time”.

18. Dream (Priscilla Ahn)

A beautiful song that goes through the different stages of life.

19. Too Young (Nat “King” Cole, “Love Songs”)

Again, this song reminds me of me and George and our courtship when we were younger.

“They tried to tell us we’re too young, too young to really be in love.”

 

Lion

Yesterday, George and I were at Church with Jude. (Lance wasn't there because he was spending the weekend with his dad.)

We were singing the song "The Spirit of God" and Jude was having a hard time sitting still. We got to the fourth verse that begins "How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion shall lie down together without any ire." As we sang, George and I both heard a very distinctive, purposeful noise coming from George's lap when we got to the word "lion".

"ROARRR!"

George and I looked at each other and laughed. Yes, Jude, that's exactly what a lion says.

Happy Birthday!

I turned 28 this past Monday! Even though George had to work that day and it was normal Monday for me and the boys, it was really fun!

I was still in my pajamas when I was surprised by a special delivery of beautiful flowers from George. The picture doesn't do them justice--they were gorgeous! They came in a huge glass filled with what looked exactly like a strawberry martini. It even had two straws. :)

Right after, one of my visiting teachers came over with a couple cupcakes from a great bakery called Hot Cakes. Lance is posing with the flowers, the cupcakes, and some cute little daffodils that Amy gave me. I felt so special!

The boys and I then headed out to walk Rockne, a really nice black lab we walk twice a week. Lance and Jude LOVE him and Rockne gets really excited when we come. If I ever come without the boys, he gets confused and looks all around for them.

Rockne always greets the boys with sloppy kisses which make Jude giggle. Lance is trying to give him a hug. He's so patient with the boys.

 I couldn't get everyone to look at the camera at the same time. We have come to enjoy our 30 minute walks. It's a work-out for me to push both boys in the stroller, but it's good to get out and be active.

We spent a good portion of the afternoon playing outside on the playground that's just outside our back door. I love living next to the park! That evening after George came home, we went out to dinner at Outback! We splurged and got two appetizers and by the time our meals came, none of us had much room left. Hooray for leftovers!

Lance is trying to give me a kiss. Sweet boy.

The family.

Jude relaxing with Daddy.

As if we didn't celebrate enough, on Wednesday I went out to dinner with several of my friends to celebrate not only my birthday, but our friend Tracy's as well. We went to Bonefish to enjoy the $5 Bang Bang Shrimp. I can never get enough of their Bang Bang Shrimp! I'm so lucky to have such good friends here in Charlottesville.

It was a great Birthday. I guess if I have to keep getting older, this week was a good way to celebrate!

New York!

I got to spend this past weekend with Chad up in New York! He was completing his practical part of the Dental School final and needed cavities to fill. Remember my post about all my cavities? Well, I went to get them filled my a family friend (also a dentist) and she suggested that I be a patient for Chad during his final. That way, I wouldn't have to pay to have my cavities filled and Chad would have a cooperative patient that was personally invested in him and his grade. It sounded like a win-win, so we went for it!

I arrived in New York City by train Thursday night. Chad took me out for manicures and pedicures and even a massage for my Birthday! It was so nice and so much fun to be there with my brother.

 Yes, he got a pedicure, too. Actually, while I was there more men than women came in to get pedicures. 

After our spa treatment, Chad then treated me to a dinner of sushi!

After dinner, we went back to his apartment to crash for the night. We were up again by 5:45 a.m. to catch a cab to New York University where the test was being held. There were dozens of other dental students doing the same test and tons of patients. It was a pretty intimidating atmosphere and I felt myself getting nervous for Chad.

The whole test process was interesting. First, we had to get all Chad's supplies together and ready. Here I am sitting in his assigned "booth" waiting for the procedure to begin. We were in a room that had probably 24-30 similar booths, all occupied by nervous dental students and their patients.

I got to listen to a lot of music during the almost 10 hours we were at the clinic.

 Chad setting up the supplies and equipment. 

See those blue boxes? Look inside. Yes, those would be drill bits and burrs. I had never had a cavity filled before and I have to admit, I was a little nervous.

After the station was set up, Chad had to take x-rays of my teeth to submit for approval.

Checking out the x-rays.

After Chad had selected two cavities, I had to be approved. We took the x-rays along with a very specific assortment of gauze and utensils to the elevator and upstairs where there was another clinic almost identical to the one we came from. This was the approval/grading area. The school had flown professional dentists in from all over the country to evaluate each student's ability to perform 5 tasks. Today Chad was doing two--drilling and filling cavities. Chad had to leave me outside the clinic and I was ushered to a dental chair to await evaluation. I was so nervous because Chad wasn't sure if one of the cavities he selected was deep enough into the dentin to pass the requirement. If they didn't approve me, Chad would essentially fail that portion of the exam and have to pay a large amount of money to retake it later. It was a weird feeling sitting there being evaluated. I felt super vulnerable, like my self-worth was riding on what this person I didn't know was going to say about me. Strange, I know. I felt like I was being judged for something that was outside my control but that would have a very important impact on the outcome of the day. After a very nerve-wracking 15 minutes, I was officially approved and I joined an excited Chad to get started.

Ready?

Prepped and waiting. Can you tell which side of my mouth he numbed?

Before he started, he had to put in this rubber dam (a test requirement) that isolated the quadrant of my mouth that he was working on. Luckily both cavities were in the same quadrant so I only had one dam. He said most patients hated it, but I kinda liked it. At least my mouth was protected from tooth dust even if it wasn't exactly a flattering look.

Yeah, not flattering at all.

Drilling...

Checking...

After he felt he had cleaned out the cavities as well as they could be, it was on to the evaluation checkpoint again. The checkpoint was on a different floor, so I had to ride the elevator with the rubber dam in my mouth. It wouldn't have been so bad, except when the elevator came it was completely packed with random people from the building. I got some funny looks and a snicker or two. Once off the elevator, I had to stand in line to be admitted to the waiting room. I didn't feel too out of place here--most of the other people in line had strange rubber dams sticking out of their mouth, too. After sitting in the waiting room for about 45 minutes, I was admitted to the back and placed in a dental chair to await grading. I was praying the whole time that Chad would pass. It was so nerve-wracking to sit there and have three dentists come and look, poke, and scrape at the holes in my teeth and then sit down at a computer and fill in the grades they felt the job deserved. It was a long hour for Chad by the time we were finally reunited outside the checkpoint and were given the go-ahead to finish the job.

Starting the filling process.

Chad is assessing the integrity of the filling and trying to figure out where he needs to smooth and shape. While this was going on, my iPod suddenly started playing the Beatles' "I've Got a Feeling". Honestly, when it first started playing I almost thought I heard "I've got a filling, a filling deep inside, oh yeah! I've got a filling, a filling I can't hide, oh no." I stifled a giggle while Chad finished.

Almost done!

After the fillings were complete and smoothed over, it was again on to the checkpoint. The wait was a little bit shorter this time and I was in and out in about 30 minutes. Three dentists again had to check my fillings and make sure they were quality before filling in the grades on the computer.

After I came out of the waiting room, Chad and I went back to his station and cleaned up all the instruments. It was about 5:30 by the time we were done. We were starving! We hadn't had any lunch, only a couple snacks to tide us over during the day, so we immediately headed to the Shake Shack that was only a few blocks from the testing site. Unfortunately, it was a beautiful day and the Shake Shack is an outside restaurant, so the line was forever long. We decided we couldn't wait that long and got some Jamba Juice instead on our way back to Chad's apartment.

Can you tell how tired we both were?

We were going to go to the Shake Shack close to Chad's apartment, but once we got home, we didn't have the energy to move, so we ordered out and watched a movie before going to bed. It was so nice to spend time with Chad and get to see his apartment and meet his roommates. I wish I could have stayed a little longer, but he had to do more testing on Saturday and I had a husband and a couple boys at home that I was missing like crazy. So, Saturday morning I hugged Chad goodbye and caught a 7:00 a.m. train from Penn Station.

Everything was going well until... about 1 hour from DC, our train stopped. We were informed that the power from New York to DC on the tracks was out and none of the trains could move. We waited for more than 2 1/2 hours before the power finally came back on and we started our journey again.

The view from the back of the train during our trip "intermission".

It wasn't that bad. I had Harry Potter to keep me company. Amy was so nice to come get me fror Union Station in DC and then it was on to my mom's house where Jude was.

Mom treated me and Amy to a great lunch/dinner for my Birthday (I took my camera, but forgot to get a picture) at Sweetwater which was super good! Lance's dad dropped Lance off later that day and the boys and I headed back to Charlottesville that evening. George had a Glee club function that weekend and had a friend spending the night, so we had a big family sleepover in our bedroom. Fun fun! 

It was good to be home and together as a family again. I'm so glad I got to see Chad and help a bit with his final. I guess I won't see him again until he graduates in May. Good luck, Chad!

Dinner with the Family

Every year for Christmas my Allred Grandparents give our family a check. When we were all young, my parents would divide up the money equally and we'd all get a portion. Now that we're all adults, we take that money and go out to eat as a family.

Last weekend we finally were able to round up everyone that was in town and go to one of our favorite restaurants: Nagoya. We had a great time together, although we did miss Chad and Stephen who are both attending college out of state.

Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa! Wish you were here to celebrate with us.

Laser Tag!

Last weekend, we drove up to Ashburn to celebrate Callie's 7th Birthday! 

We have probably done the two hour drive between our house and Ashburn at least 100 times since we moved to Charlotteville and the boys have become accustomed to the boring car drive:

They are excellent sports and usually very patient. Besides, this time we were coming up for a great reason!

LASER TAG and CAKE!

Callie celebrated her birthday at a laser tag place close by. She had tons of friends and family there and made off like a bandit. The perfect birthday!

I love that it looks like her cake is on fire.

Blowing out the candles.

Anxiously awaiting cake...

Pop-pop and Jude

In the "briefing room" before our second game of laser tag! He's excited, can you tell?

Ready for action!

George sniping at the kids running past.

Callie in the heat of battle!

We all had a great time! It was fun to see Callie and celebrate with her and to see the rest of our family as well. We are lucky to live close enough to our family that we can be a part of the special events when they take place.

Babies

Lance: "I don't want to eat lamb."

Me: "Why not, Lance?"

Lance: "Because a lamb is a baby sheep. And I don't eat babies."

Boys and Bread

As a mom, it's fun and gratifying to watch my children actually enjoy being together.  The older Jude gets, the more the boys find they have in common. Lance often takes some coaxing (it doesn't help that Jude drools buckets and Lance finds that gross), but Jude can't get enough of Lance and is constantly trying to love on him... or tackle him. Being boys, it's all the same, right?

To break up the dull days, Lance and I made bread on Friday. It was fun! It brought back so many memories of baking bread with my own mom when I was Lance's age. She always made 6 loaves at a time and would pinch off little mounds of dough for the kids to make mini loaves. Probably the thing I remember most clearly about baking bread was the part where we shaped the dough. Mom had a neat way of getting rid of air bubbles after she had carefully rolled the dough flat and rolled it up again to form a loaf. She would take mound of dough and throw it down on the counter with a huge bang that all the kids thought was awesome! I still can't make bread as well as Mom can, but I'm getting better and Lance thought it was neat he got to make his own bread, too.

"I have this all under control!"

On the drive back from Walmart where Lance purchased some toys with his Chinese New Year money, I heard this coming from the back seat:

"Oh man... this doesn't make any sense!"

I knew Lance was trying to put together these little foam airplanes he bought and I was worried he might break them in his zeal to quickly construct them.

"Lance, do you want me to help you in a minute? Don't do anything that will break it until we look at the instructions."

"I don't need to look at the instructions, Mom. I have this all under control!"

Yes, yes he did. The airplane looked great.

Dancing and Climbing Trees

Not much has happened this past week. We spent some time here in Charlottesville and some time up in Ashburn with family, but life has been fairly normal lately.

George finally finished his Trauma Surgery rotation and was sad to see it go. He's on Psych now and let's just say he's not too "psyched" about it. Four weeks and he'll be on Neurology and then it's on to 4th year! I can't believe we only have one year left of Med School! The time seems to have flown in retrospect, although living the day to day sometimes seems to take forever. Why is that?

While we were up in Northern VA with George's family, Jen and Bryce introduced us to a new Wii game called "Just Dance". I was horrible at it, but it was very addicting and tons of fun! Basically you have to do the same dance moves as the character on the game and you get points based on how well you did. Needless to say, it's hilarious watching people play this game. Lance had a good time playing it, too and I'm considering adding it to our collection of games. Maybe I'll tell the Easter Bunny. :)

These are a couple pictures of George helping his dad uproot a dead tree in the backyard when we were up there this past weekend. It was fun to watch them push and pull and jump on the tree until it finally gave up and came out of the ground.

Speaking of trees, yesterday Lance wanted to show me how high he could climb in the tree in front of our apartment complex. It's this huge tree perfect for climbing. The kids love playing in and on it because the branches start right next to the ground, so you climb in and it's like a little room made out of leaves and branches. The kids call it their "tree house".

Climbing...

Still climbing...

He got really high!

 Jude wanted to climb, too, but this is as far as he got. :) Soon enough, Jude. Soon enough.

Life continues to plug along. The weather is being bipolar which is both nice and not. Some days we get to play outside in short sleeves and the next we're bundled inside. Hopefully Spring will decided to come and stay one of these days.

This weekend should be fun. Callie is turning 7 so we're heading up to Ashburn again to celebrate with her on Saturday. Laser Tag! WooHoo! I'll be going up to New York at least once this month as well to help Chad in his Dental School final. I'm his patient, so he'll be filling a couple of my cavities which works out great for both of us. I'm excited to visit New York again and to see Chad. Can't wait!