Kentucky Fall Fun

We always love visiting with family while in town. It seems as if Adelaide, Bishop, Collins, & Cooper play non-stop the entire trip. This past visit being no different.

Cooper is a crawling gremlin so her & Adelaide had a blast chasing one another all around. Collins still plays "mom" to Adelaide letting her know what she can & cannot do as well as assisting in her care (i.e. bath & meal time).

Dogs are a fave for Adelaide so when we are in KY and there are 4 dogs roaming the house she is in heaven. Add in Shane & Amanda's two dogs and she was beyond excited.

On one of our last days, I took Adelaide & Collins to the Louisville Zoo. We met Kara & Kendahl for a few hours and soaked up the warmth. The girls loved seeing the animals & riding along together. I enjoyed treating my daughter and niece to a fun morning.

Until next time Kentucky, we will keep you in our hearts <3 p="">

Honoring Mommy: SHMS Former Parent Award

When it comes to education, I would easily argue that my parents spared no expense. They sought the best preschool, elementary, & high school for the 4 of us. That in itself was plenty for us and has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. I greatly appreciate the financial commitment & sacrifice that my parents have made for me (in all things but especially my education).

In addition, my parents have always supported the school(s) 110% whether it be donating to the annual fund, auctioning off vehicles, accompanying us on field trips, starting athletic programs, coaching our sports teams, being a room mom, serving on committees, and so forth & so on.

My mom has dedicated the past 30+ years to her children and their surroundings so it really came as no surprise that she would be honored as the SHMS Former Parent Awardee. She was shocked of course because that is how humble she is. She doesn't often realize the impact that she has made on her children's lives. Maybe because we don't always take the time to let her know or maybe because she wouldn't have her life purpose any other way.

I was able to fly home to be at the award ceremony. For those of you who don't know, SHMS is short for Sacred Heart Model School where we went from kindergarden through eighth grade. It is one of the most intense grade schools around with midterms & finals beginning in 3rd grade and a foreign language starting in kindergarden. The teachers are amazing and have positively impacted so many students. I attribute my academic success to SHMS.

My mom graciously accepted her award with this sincere & witty speech...





I am so proud of you mom!!! Congrats on an amazing honor & award!

Adelaide Jane: On the Move

On Sunday September 8, 2013 our big girl took several steps holding onto her daddy's hand...






On Thursday September 12, 2013 our big girl took several steps all on her own...

2013 EATF Grant Awards & Honoree Luncheon

In the early spring of last year, I was asked to be on the committee of the Eastern Adult Tennis Foundation (EATF). The EATF is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization created to bring public attention and financial support for worthy, grassroots tennis programs for adult and senior participation. Our biggest event is an annual luncheon held in September with morning tennis then lunch & a keynote speaker. 

Late last year, I was asked by the committee to serve as President & Chairwoman for this year. I accepted and was terrified! I am not well connected in the community and the majority of my tennis friends are on the committee!

But thanks to all of the wonderful ladies who serve on our committee, we were able to put on a fabulous day for 150 guests! 

Tennis Registration & Play

We had all of the tennis courts and TWO clubs filled with tennis enthusiasts and local pros who roamed and gave pointers. And the amazing Lindsay Davenport who played with every single group!

Beach Point Club Luncheon Room

Fashion Show Models

The weather was superb making for a beautiful setting on and off the court. Our luncheon room overlooked the picturesque waters as the boats floated in & out of the marina. We awarded nearly $19000 in grants to 18 organizations! We honored the late Maita Blume, my dear friend Abbi's mom, and a long-time committee member who passed away earlier this year.

Our keynote speaker was Lindsay Davenport, one of the greatest female tennis players ever. She has accomplished so much in her professional life: 14 years on the WTA pro tour, 3 Grandslam championships, and an Olympic gold medal in 1996. She has accomplished so much in her personal life: married to her best friend, mother to 3 children & one on the way! And she is honestly one of the most humble, shy, & gracious person that I have ever met. She captivated the entire audience with her stories and her expertise. She was open and honest sharing her struggles along the road to excellence.  

I truly feel honored to have been asked to head such a wonderful organization & cause and be surrounded by so many supportive women! Looking forward to the 2014 EATF Grant Awards Luncheon!

PCG Wonderful Ones

Last January I randomly met Leigh at the gym. She mentioned a great parent/child program that she had started with her oldest when she moved to NY from the south. Desperate to meet mom friends, I decided to join the Babbling Babies group. Adelaide & I spent most Friday mornings with other moms & kids who were navigating the waters of first borns and new motherhood. Whitney & I (Adelaide & Caileigh) became fast friends. We ended up in the same swim class with Heather & Benjamin and enjoyed reuniting with Emily & Bella from prenatal yoga!

This year we started Wonderful Ones on Thursday mornings. We have 3 new friends, Roxy, Ben, & Adam, plus Adelaide's bff Caileigh :) The first session was last week and a great success. Last year we worked with Nancy as the facilitator and spoke about adult topics. The purpose of Babbling Babies is to find a network & community of other moms. Wonderful Ones is about beginning the process of getting our children acquainted with school. For 30 minutes we spend time playing with the kids and introducing them to one another. Then the moms move to the other side of the room to talk alone with Nancy about parenting issues/concerns/practices. While we are discussing, the children play with 2 teachers. After 30 minutes of the separation, we sing songs together and finish up with a snack at the adorable little people table & chairs.

Our little ones did great this first week and it is so neat to see how much they have grown as well as how much us moms have grown :)

Looking forward to a great year!