7 Random Thoughts for Annie

Annie, this is for you and anyone else who may be interested. 1. I really love rap music. However, I really don't want my children to listen to it. So when we moved to North Carolina, and I was so sad to be leaving one of our dearest friends - Ben Pike, I decided that in honor of him I was going to start listening to country. He once told me that he started to like country music while living in North Carolina. So as we drove across the country to our new home in January 2005 . . . I began the transition. Now I too like country - and think of Ben every time the radio is on. Although, I also listen to many other types of music as well. Thanks Ben! 2. I have a passion for furniture. While most little girls spent their childhood dreaming about what their wedding would be like - I was pouring over my mother's Ethan Allen catalog. Dreaming about what baby furniture to pick out, which buffet looks best with which table, which bedroom set looks most elegant and what color comforter should I have someday? Anyway, I also love to refinish old pieces of quality furniture. A few years ago Dakota helped me turn a headboard and footboard into a really beautiful bench. It was so fun and every time we work on projects together I realize that he is truly my soulmate in every way. I love the balance his personality offers to mine. 3. I want to compete in a golf tournament someday . . . maybe in my forties. 4. I begin to miss my little babies about 30 minutes after they fall asleep. In the morning while I have my "Charlotte" time, my heart aches for them to wake up so that we can play again. 5. I would love to turn our garage into a photo studio and zillions of photos of people. I probably need to follow Jen's advice and take a photography class first. 6. I could eat chocolate chip cookies 24 hours a day. I could also swim 24 hours a day (but only if the temperature is right). I long to go camping and hiking again with my most loved boy and our friend Ben and anyone else who would like to join us. I love to play little tricks on Dakota and tickle him until he falls out of bed. I always have to watch a movie at least twice - once to sleep through it and again to actually watch it. 7. I feel like I need a vacation about every six weeks. I have no endurance to just go on with life. I love to take little brakes and forget that there are things that need to get done, places to be, and other people around watching me and my silly family. On the other hand, I thive off of a routine and schedule. I need structure and a clean house. Don't forget that chocolate chip cookie that I need either!

My Favorite Girls

Here is one more of my favorite pictures, of my two favorite women in the world (sorry it's slightly blurry). But who can't keep from being filled with cheer and smiles when looking at these two beautiful girls. I love them both very much. I am very lucky!

Tribute to Charlotte

There have been many observations that there are not enough pictures of Charlotte on this website. I absolutely agree, and I take full responsibility for such a gross let down. I personally think I need to document more what an amazing companion and mother Charlotte is in our home. She is the crowning jewel in our family. Our lives are happy and blessed because of our fortune to be under the wings of such a deeply caring and devoted woman. There is none better in my eyes. Sadly, Charlotte is the primary photographer from 8:00 - 6:00 each day and there aren't many great shots with her in it. I am resolved to pick up the camera more and focus more on the center piece of our family. Until then, here are a few shots I could rumage up. Even Chorlotte took half of these. See how amazing she is!!