Introductions

I finally met the little guy yesterday!  Oh man, he is one handsome fella...  I have been secretly pining to meet the newly arrived Mr. Owen Charles or Baby A as I lovingly call him, with his tiny fingers and toes. 

I called Joy on the way home from a birthday party to see how their weekend was panning out.  She said the coast was clear and we could come out any time we wanted.  I was thrilled!  Told Jay when I got home, but unfortunately he wasn't feeling good (fighting something in his chest), so thought it best to not give a cold to the tiny person and stay home.  I was completely bummed out - one of our two days to see each other and we weren't going to spend it together! - but not meeting Owen would have crushed me more, so I said my goodbyes (maybe with a tear or two - I'm going to be screwed with kids) and hit the road. 

A quick stop at Home Depot for Kev's requested kitchen sprayer and a plant for Owen to grow with him, a pit stop to fuel up and now I'm on my way.  It was a gorgeous drive, said my hellos to Heidi as I passed by and marveled at the sun setting on my left with the moon high on my right.  I forgot how much I love that drive! 

Walking in the door, Skylar greeted me with a welcoming hello making me wish I had brought Hunter for her to play with.  I passed along the plant and scooped up Mr. Owen for our formal introductions on his 13th day in this world.  Meredyth and Ryan were there during an impromptu stop, so I was able to visit with them also for a while before they headed towards their original destination.  She just couldn't pass up an opportunity to see the little man.  I stuck around for almost three hours...held Owen for a good chunk of that with his radiating heat, Joy and Kevin fed me (thank you!), took some pictures of the adorable tiny person and Joy granted me a mini photo-shoot of Owen and I - hahaha!  I was also able to see their new kitchen (my Dad did the corian - looks great! and I love the painted cabinets), Owen's room (great job Kev on the built in and closet organizer), new paint throughout - love the soft grey color, new floors and updated door handles.  They went to town re-doing everything before Owen came - very smart! - and the finished product is gorgeous!  Enough about their house, which is intriguing to me and probably me alone, here are some pictures of the little guy in all his glory...

Thank you to Family A in the woods of Harpers Ferry.  I had a wonderful time hanging out, meeting your little guy and spreading some love your way!  I hope to see you soon, until then I will have to control my withdrawls :) 

Resting his head on his hands, fast asleep...

 

Love the tiny toes!

Matching in our stripes

Marietta, PA

Our friends Nate and Holly & Gus and Deanna live in this quaint little town in Pennsylvania called Marietta.  Jay used to work with Nate years ago and they have remained close in friendships.

Marietta is a tiny town - two blocks by four blocks or something crazy like that! - which has a railroad running thru it and a river beside it!  It's a tiny place where you know everyone and everyone knows you.  They have an old main street with shops/businesses and many of the homes have the 'old charm' of yesteryears.

We went to visit for the first time last summer - it was Marietta Day.  Just the sound of that is fabulous - it wouldn't work in Warrenton, but it does in Marietta.  All the townspeople set up shop down the main drag selling their most prized possessions - it's essentially a town yard sale :)  We got a late start and missed most of the fun -- we had even talked Jacqui and her roomie to meet us up there; they never turn down a yard sale so went but left before we arrived.  We stayed the night and hung out at Shank's Tavern after a race in the pouring rain!  Anyways...it was a fabulous time with Nate, Holly, Maya, Rowan and Sylvie being our gracious hostess.

For the wedding, we received a gift certificate to The Railroad House Inn for one night's stay.  We kept never finding the right time to go and it was expiring the end of the year.  We decided on Halloween weekend, hoping to see the kiddos all dressed up for some trick or treating.  Headed up after Jay got off work on Friday (with Hunter in tow) and the drive took longer than we originally planned, not arriving until close to 2am.  Poor Holly was literally writing us a note saying she couldn't stay awake any longer and to make ourselves at home!  We said our goodnights and crashed pretty quickly ourselves.

The next morning, Rowan had a soccer tournament -- let me say, these people are avid soccer players -- we made it to game two and Jay took numerous pictures of the team playing with Nate on the sidelines as Coach.  Rowan scored his first goal and wanted to see the pictures over and over again - so excited!  After the game, we ventured for some yummy lunch at Mexitaly, owned by Greg and his wife (more PA friends, close with the gang).  They make delicious burritos - of course I got Mexican!!  After lunch, we ventured to a birthday party with the kids and Hunter...hung outside, ate some cupcakes and took Hunter for a nice long walk down to the Railroad House Inn.  We passed some gorgeous homes along the way - all on the river and railroad tracks.  We checked into the hotel and walked back to Nate and Holly's to drop Hunter off (they watched him for us Saturday night) and grab our luggage.  At the hotel, we took a nap and then had dinner in the restaurant downstairs - great, delicious food by the fire!!  Afterwards, we went back to Nate and Holly's to hang out for a bit -- the place was jumping...the kitchen was packed!  It's pretty much a 'anyone is welcome as long as the door is open' situation.  They were playing music and having multiple conversations; the kids were running in and out, up and down.  Rowan asked me how many teeth I had; he thought he had 40 teeth in his mouth, which cracked me up.  I told him probably not with his small seven year old mouth and then I told him to 'open wide' and counted all twenty of his teeth :)  He was thrilled to know how many he had...very inquisitive guy!  Things died down around 2am when we ventured back to our room...knowing this Saturday night was no different than most - just that we were a part of it this week.

The next morning, we had complimentary breakfast downstairs and then checked out after a good chat with the owners.  They have a dog - evidenced by the kong in the hallway and leash at the backdoor :)  Next time, we are allowed to bring Hunter, but he can't stay unattended in the room.  That morning was Market - this is the real reason I'm writing this post, so I can remember how wonderful Market is in Marietta!  The town puts on a farmer's market during the warm months, selling everything from fresh bread to plants to hand-made clothing.  We were lucky enough to catch the last weekend I believe and had a great time, wishing we lived closer or in a town that was so tightly woven.  People brought their instruments - Nate hauled multiple guitars/mandolins in a stroller - hahaha!  There were about eight or so people in a circle just jamming off each other and singing.  It was amazingly beautiful!  We walked back 'home' then Maya had a soccer game later in the day with Nate coaching the sidelines again.  She's ten but crazy mature - almost like you are talking to an adult mature - plus she's tall and lanky for her few ten years.  She played well and towered over most of the other girls with a mean kick.  The Bengals played the Dolphins that day (or read: Jay's team played Nate's team that day) so we taped the game during soccer and watched it later with most everyone, except Jay and Rowan falling asleep on the couch/chairs.  Once the game was done, we started packing things up and headed home with Hunter exhausted, curled up in the backseat fast asleep before we got thru town.

It was a great time seeing friends and a nice break from the routine!  Here are some pics from the trip...

Maya with her yellow shoes and a mean kick!

Music Circle

 

Bunky's New Home

Some of you might remember this story from a few years ago; others might not have heard it yet.  In honor of Veteran’s Day and a community that came together, I have to share it again…

A dear friend of mine and one of my brother’s best friends, Bunky is an Army Ranger who left for boot camp right after high school in 2001.  He was the lead in his battalion and was the first to go into a location and scope out the scene; he is a Ranger, one of few elite and held the position with honor and pride.  He was less than a month shy of coming home after two tours overseas when a sniper shot him from behind.  The bullet came in the back of his neck and out his jaw, paralyzing him from the shoulders down.  Even being hurt, he didn’t want to leave his friends, his ‘brothers’.  He was transported to Germany for a short while before being transferred to Walter Reed Hospital.  I visited him at Walter Reed and was amazed at how positive he was, even in his condition at the time.  It was overwhelming…his fellow soldiers came to visit him that day – they had been there when he was shot and came from all over the states to show their support and love.  Bunky was released and Front Royal (our hometown) embraced him, raising money with a Bachelor Auction and Food Drives, helping to buy a much needed van and wheelchair.  His parents helped to take care of him, splitting their time between two houses. 

Homes For Our Troops heard about Bunky’s story and decided he needed a proper home.  Three of the largest builders in town decided to help, along with friends and citizens of Front Royal.  My brother and his friends first and foremost…  The town and local companies donated their time and money to build him a gorgeous home in the mountains of Browntown!  My dad’s company, Heartwood Solid Surfaces, donated the corian for the bathrooms, shower and tub surrounds.  The official key ceremony was last night, when Bunky first saw the inside finished product.  I had the priveledge to be there last night, missing the ceremony, but being able to see Bunky and his gorgeous house.  It gave you chills just walking in the front door – seeing the possibilities ahead for him and knowing that Front Royal helped to build this for him.  He absolutely deserves this home and all the memories that will be made here!  Happy Veteran’s Day!

Here are a few articles and videos to commemorate the event:

Northern Virginia Daily - May 2010

Fox Five News - Nov 2010

Northern Virginia Daily - Nov 2010

Winchester - Nov 2010

Bunky and I - 2001 - Last day before shipping off to the Army

Baby A

Our dear friends Joy and Kevin are parents!  They have a tiny baby boy, Owen Charles, as of Sunday morning.  I am beyond thrilled for them both! 

Joy called yesterday morning and passed along the wonderful news.  'Hey Sue, I have some good news...I'm a Mom!'  Even over the phone, I could hear the smile in her voice.  She said everything went well, he has a full head of dark hair and they were excited to get Owen home to settle in together - their new family.  I wonder how Skylar is doing with the newest addition??

They are parents - Mom and Dad...  I know we are at that age, but the magnitude of that change is amazing to me still - I'm not sure if that will ever dissipate.  This new, tiny little bundle is all theirs to love and cuddle and teach and protect. 

Jay and I are hoping to go visit this Sunday...can't wait to meet the little guy! :)  Gotta get working on this quilt...

Try Again Friday

I live in Warrenton and work in Reston.  Jacqui** lives in Fairfax and works in Rosslyn.  We are always trying to meet up and catch up after work.  When the stars align, we usually sit outside 'Bucks (as she lovingly calls it) and talk for hours, literally - her with a fancy coffee drink and me with my extra whip hot chocolate.  It's wonderful! 

Most evenings we play the try again game... I'll shoot her a text when I'm close to leaving work or she'll send me on when she's on the metro, but the usual responses are 'Already home, will try again', 'Still at work, will try again' or 'Have plans, will try again'.  So we've dubbed it the try again game and get a slight kick out of the numerous weeks where we try to meet up but it just doesn't work.  One of the best parts is that neither of us gets upset if it just doesn't work one evening because we understand busy and know it will work out eventually.

Alas, we have a solution - better than we've been doing at least.  It's called, you guessed it, Try Again Friday.  Every couple of Fridays, we meet in Gainesville after Jacqui has taken the train home and at times after I've been home to feed and take care of the zoo.  I love Jacqui for meeting me half way in Gainesville after she's been at work, on the train and in traffic.  It makes me feel not so far away!  Depending on timing, we'll grab a quick bite or just 'Bucks then it depends...tonight we walked around Target for well over an hour - didn't buy one thing (yay us!) - and I had a great time!  We toured the store basically - starting out in home goods, venturing to the pjs and sweatpants, the candle section (I think we sniffed every candle they have - Home Goods brand is nasty and Yankee still wins every time), clearance Halloween, Christmas (can't believe it's around the corner!!), scarves, hats and finally socks :)

I can't wait for our next Try Again Friday!

**Jacqui and I met once while at Mason - she lived in the same building as Megs and Sallie.  I'd see her occasionally at the Pourhouse, but not often.  Fast forward five years, Sallie is getting married in St. Thomas (gorgeous!) with Jacqui as a bridesmaid and myself as a guest; we happened to be on the same flight.  I stayed at her place and Stephanie took us to the metro which led into Reagan Airport at o'dark hours.  We were sitting on the plane, excited to start the trip and over the intercom comes '...everyone traveling to the Islands needed to leave the plane due to a delay on the runway...' and we wouldn't make our connection.  Our luggage stays and off it goes - no delay, pretty much took off immediately!  We catch a later flight that leaves us in Miami with a six hour layover - that is where our friendship blossomed...sitting outside the Miami airport, smoking cigarettes and eating pizza and bananas, missing all the fun, wishing we were in St. Thomas! We finally made it later that evening and had a fabulous time.  But that trip solidified our friendship - I wouldn't be the person I am today without her.  Over the years she's sat and listened to my crying over broken hearts, broken families, the excitement of buying my first home, new jobs, Halloweens and Valentine's Days, road trips, finding love and being a bridesmaid at my wedding.  I can't imagine my life without her in it... Love you girl!

Always...

I will always remember that day one year ago today.  ...seeing the Caller ID and knowing it wasn't going to be a happy 'How ya doing?' phone call deep in my gut...  ...the strength Lauren had to tell me the news.  I will always remember not wanting it to be true...  ...the instant tears, the shaking and my knees going weak.  I will always remember the uncontrollable sobs while at work and needing Tiffany to hold me up...  ...the disbelief on one hand wanting just once more to see her,  yet the relief she's not hurting anymore.  I will always remember her smiling face, her laughter, her positiveness, her strength and her love.

Today is the one year mark of the death of a beautiful person and an amazing friend.  We met in 2nd grade and were instant forever friends - bossum buddies from Anne of Green Gables, BFFE (Best Friends Forever and Ever).  Heidi and I grew up together with our families intertwined, 'second families', to the fullest extent.  She was the strongest person I knew, always active - playing softball, breaking records in track & field, soccer when we were younger.  We were constantly laughing together...

Heidi was diagnosed with colon cancer in Fall 2003, which spread rapidly to her liver.  Over the next six years, she underwent a few surgeries and chemotheraphy numerous times with remissions in between giving us all hope to believe.  She was an active person during all this; if you didn't know, you couldn't tell she was fighting the battle.  She was amazing! 

She was married to her soul mate, Eric, on October 13, 2007 - one day before her 26th birthday and was truly on top of the world - in mind, health and love.  I was honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding where she literally created almost every detail by hand - she was a crafty girl! 

Walk Like An Egyptian became 'our song' - hahaha!  I remember being home at her house and playing it as loud as we could on the stereo then singing and dancing around her living room and dining room table, just cracking up!


1989



2007

Once I became engaged, I wanted her by my side - one of my dearest friends.  She was healthy and vibrant at the time, so I wasn't concerned.  Unfortunately as the year passed, her health deteriorated and the cancer fought harder.  She wasn't able to stand up there beside me - the hardest decision I'm sure she had to make - but she promised me she would be there, in the audience, to see the momumentous event.  We had been through everything else together...  She came and she looked gorgeous!  I made a smaller bouquet from sunflowers (her signature flower) and she was holding it when I saw her, in the seat on the end, being the very first smiling face I saw walking down that aisle.  It was perfect.

After the ceremony, she hung in the cottage on site waiting for the reception to start, wanting to stay that evening for as long as she was able.  I was able to hang out with her, Eric, Terry and John (her 'rents) before the reception - fabulous moments I will cherish. 

The next day, her and Eric took a vacation to Mexico (while we were on our honeymoon)...an all-inclusive resort where they were pampered, relaxed and spent the entire week together - just the two of them.  She sent emails and pictures of their happenings each and every day talking about how happy she was and all the fun they were having.  We both returned from our trips - me, trying to catch up on real life again and her, (unbenownst to me) sick with a cold from traveling.  It took me two weeks after returning to call, wanting to chat about her trip and let her know how much it meant to me that she was at the wedding - I left a message on Monday, Oct  5th.  She didn't hear that message.  I got the call from Lauren the next day. 

The next week is a fog of memories...  Going with Joy to their house, seeing Eric, crafting with her supplies to create flower pins to hand out to the family and close friends at the funeral, sleeping until it didn't hurt anymore...  I hate that she didn't hear my message to her.  I had written thank you cards also - one to her and Eric and one to just her...  I read them to her and everyone at the funeral - one of the toughest things I've had to do. 

I have two notes here – one, a thank you card to Heidi and Eric and two, a note for Heidi.  I wasn’t able to mail them in time for Heidi to read them – typical me - so I’d like to read them to you and her now. 

Heidi and Eric – Thank you so much for being a part of our special day!  Jay and I were honored you were able to be there.  You both looked fabulous – Heidi, with your radiant smile and Eric, looking spiffy in your suit!  It was wonderful to be able to spend some time with you before the reception began and I’m so glad you enjoyed yourselves and stayed for as long as you did!  It was a perfect day and could not have been the same without your presence and love surrounding us!  All our love, Susan and Jay

Heids – I can not begin to tell you how much it meant to me to have your smiling face be the first I saw walking down the aisle!  Can you believe I’ve joined the married crowd?  It’s absolutely fabulous and I find myself using the title ‘husband’ as much as possible!  I know Jay and I will do just fine if we have an ounce of the love you and Eric share – I’m so happy you found each other early in life!  He is amazing and you are both so blessed.

I know it was difficult for you to come to the wedding, but you looked beautiful and were so brave.  I was thrilled to have some time alone with you and Terry in the cottage, before the craziness began!  I hope you know how special you are to me and how much inspiration your strength and friendship has given to me over the years.  Twenty years – can you believe it?!  We’ve been there, together, for so many moments – big and small – first dances, new school years, slumber parties, 4-H camp, pigtail softball, Monster Mash, more birthdays than I can keep track of, lots of laughter, talent shows, learning how to drive, graduations and most recently each of our weddings!  There will be so many more to come…I can’t wait!! 

I know things have been rough these last few years, but you are so strong and surrounded by so much love!  I am always here for you – just a phone call away - anytime.  Thank you for your friendship!  Love you always…

(This part was written after she had passed...)  I will miss you forever my dear friend.  I know that you are at peace now and no longer hurting; you are watching over all of us and enjoying the show with family and friends who have gone before you.  We miss you here – very much – but have all been blessed in how you have touched each and every one of us, even those who couldn’t be here today.  We will remember you always.

Maidzilla Party - May 2007

2006

May 2007

Senior Year of High School - 1999

Senior Prom - 1999

Girl's Night - 2007

Heidi's 28th Birthday - Oct 2008

Absolutely Beautiful

Heidi's family and friends are gathering tonight to visit her and have dinner.  It will be hard, but I can't wait...

HERE is a YouTube slide show her brother, Logan put together - it is beautiful and he did an amazing job!