I think have known Mary since she was about 12 years old.  We've grown up with her family in the Manassas Second Ward.  Mary is the same age as Lindsay and perhaps that is why I have always held a special place in my heart for her.  

I was honored when she asked if I would take her wedding photos on hers and Tim's special day.  

Mary has said to me on several occasions what a wonderful guy Tim is and what a great husband he is, her eyes getting misty just thinking about him.  I have no doubts that Tim is a catch- you can see it in his eyes.  But it is Tim who is getting one of the sweetest, humblest, loveliest women on this earth.  In other words, I believe that they were made for each other.

Baby Dove

For quite a while now, I have shared a friendship with whom I call, "Mama Dove."  I visited her every day in her home, located right in the middle of our butterfly bush.  Okay, maybe it was a one-sided friendship, but she did tolerate me somewhat.

Today was the first day that I noticed her little family- two baby doves!  Mama took a few minutes long sabbatical and that is when I pulled my camera out to see these cuties.  Two of them, nestled inside their little home, not even chirping yet, but sweet enough to "smile" for the camera!

It's Only Been Four Months!!!

Any guesses as to who this sweet, smiling dog is?



So, yes, it has been 4 months exactly since I have posted. It's been a crazy spring. I have kept myself busy with gardening, more painting, and photography...trying to keep my mind off of my job for next year or lack thereof. But, I think the stress has been alleviated as I found out that I will have a job in the fall, although it won't be what I am currently doing :( It's always hard to change from some thing you love doing to a different type of work. But I am sure that I will love this job as much. I won't be traveling all over Fairfax County as I have been. I have been assigned to work with students with disabilities (yeah) at Annandale High School! I will be working with a colleague that I like and I am sure we will make a good team.

So maybe, since I am feeling better about the future, I will be posting more! Check back and see!

Inauguration Day Memories With Pics!

Greg just came back from being in Utah for a week. As he plans for his trips, I usually have a few lightbulb moments when I'm thinking, "What can I do to the house while he is away?" This time was no different. I schemed for a few weeks about painting the kitchen..what color, can I do it alone or should I recruit some help? So, many days in advance, I picked out the desired color from Lowe's multitude of color swatches. Greg left last Sunday, and on Monday morning, I purchased my paint. I thought I'd try solo at first. I did one section at a time and kept admiring the new look. That inspired me to continue on to the next section.

Now painting the walls above the larger cabinets was next to impossible. My arms, even with paint brush in tow, simply didn't reach the back edge. I didn't let that stop me, oh no! Brilliant of all brilliant ideas...I would tape my paintbrush to a long piece of narrow wood. Voila! It really worked! And it looks pretty darn good! By Tuesday evening, I was completely done. So, when people ask me where I was on Inauguration Day, 2009, I will have fond memories of painting my kitchen a bright sunny yellow while watching the inaugural proceedings taking place on TV.

You are wondering what Greg's reaction to this was when he returned? He said simply, "I'm glad I didn't have to paint it!" Indeed.

And A Good Time Was Had By All...

We had such a nice and fun Christmas. My mom was able to fly in from Ohio and celebrate with us. It was so nice to have most of the kids home (Lindsay, Chris, Mark and Katy, and Nathan). We really missed Matt, Claire, Theo and Luc. We understood that Theo hadn't slept for a couple of days before Christmas, he was so excited! It sounds like Matt and Claire probably didn't get much sleep either.

It's always lots of laughs here when the Allen brothers get together, so opening presents together was again, too funny. Mark played Santa and distributed gifts to everyone. Perhaps the most creative wrapping came from Nathan- he wrapped Greg's tie in a tube that was the length of the tie. I think the most fun gift was sent by Matt and Claire and the kids, to Lindsay, Nathan and Chris: each received a small case (12 packs) of candy cigarettes! No one expected that! Here are a few favorite moments:

Mark and his new watch!



Wait, is there a Transformer in the family???



You can't go wrong with a "Y" shirt for Greg.



It appears that Nathan has picked up a new habit. Love those "Lucky's," candy cigs, that is.



Happy Jean got her favorite "signature" cologne, Red Door. You can't tell from the pic, but I am wearing the coolest Lucky Brand earrings that I received from Lindsay. Does she know her mom or what???

More Christmas Pics...

Greg proudly showing his new Columbia University tie.



Grandma Gladys looking great at 87! We are so happy to have her in Virginia with us for Christmas again!



Hmmm...do we have an Aussie in the fam???



Katy with her new "Pretty In Pink" sweater.



Dapper Chris modeling his new pea coat.

Stellar Has A New Buddy...

I bought this HUGE stuffed Bernese Mountain dog for a friend the other day at Costco. Not sure where to store it, I just put him under the tree. I thought it was so funny when I walked by and saw that Stellar decided to use him for a bed. She has been sleeping on him any chance she can get- which is quite a lot, since we know cats sleep all the time!