market fresh

What says "summer" more than crisp sweet corn and fresh fruits? Absolutely nothing! That is why I ventured out early this morning and made a stop at Cleveland's famous West Side Market. I love stopping in this market...the prices are unbelievable, the food is delicious, and it is only minutes from our little suburb. Plus one vendor has the BEST apple fritters I have ever sank my teeth into - they alone are worth the trip!

{rows of rainbow colored pasta : sweet little ladybug cakes}

{the freshest produce waiting to be scooped up}

field trip day!

That's right, Tuesdays at The Lerner School are field trip days. Our class bundled up and ventured out to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo....in Cleveland's lovely 50-degree weather today!It turned out to be a nice {dry} day, but was a bit on the chilly side! The kids sure did not seem to mind. We tried to hit up all the indoor animals, but I guess the animals preferred the breezy air, which left us shivering outside most of the day!

{a few shots of the animals}

{train ride!}

in need of some TLC

Oh, my poor, poor topiary....she was sent away to the in-laws for the winter {not very good lighting at my place} and arrived today looking like this! My very kind father-in-law has been blessed with a green thumb, however, I do not think he caught on to the idea of "shaping" the ivy around the wire! I was able to wrap all those branches back around and up the wire. I must say it looks so much better than when it first arrived today...hopefully with a little more TLC, she will be as good as new!

a special visit

Special visitors arrived earlier this week all the way from North Carolina...my mom and aunt. Miss Hannah and Lil Jackson were ever so excited to see their grandma, especially since grandma is usually loaded with goodies and is ready to let them do whatever it is that their little minds can conjure up!
We wrapped up our visit today with perfect weather, good food, and family.

{me, littles, and my mama}

{me, aunt donna, and my brother}

{the girls: me, mom, grandma, & the lil miss}

{Jackson & Hannah with their cute lil cousin in the middle, Mr. Evan}

{the whole gang}

party from the past

Since I neglected to throw lil Jackson a real party this year- I thought I would share some pics from his first birthday party! It turned out to be such a cute {circus themed} party and I never had a chance to show it off...so I figured now is better than never! Here is the birthday boy...so sweet and little {and bald!} in his precious birthday shirt!

And finally...a sweet ending to a year of first giggles, kisses, and big boy steps!

birthday wishes for you

Happy Birthday my sweet boy! You have grown into such the lil man over the past two years...it is so hard to believe that I was ever able to hold you in my arms. I hope all your wishes come true bubba- I love you so much!

it's so hard to say good-bye...

How do you say good-bye to your dearest friend...the one who puts up with your stubbornness or your taste in music? The one person who knows within seconds of you answering your phone that you need her, a friend that knows what damask, glass glitter, and finials are {and how important they are!}...how do you tell your bestest favorite friend "see you in a couple weekends"?
I do not know how to sum up the memories my dear friend- you mean the world to me and I wish you all the best as you begin your new adventure. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey...I look forward to all the memories that are yet to come.
I will miss you Ashley.

one lucky mama

I am so proud to be the mother of my two gorgeous children...they amaze me each and every day! It is hard to believe that they are all mine. I love you Miss Hannah and Lil Jackson- you are my everything and I am so happy to have this day with you!

Happy Mama's Day to all you fabulous mothers...this day is for you.