The Outdoors and St. Patrick's Day

Makk and Jiles

Sweet Heart!

"Soooooo Big"

"I don't wanna go inside."

"Can we go outside?"

Brodie and Jiles

Ackers and Jiles

Enjoying her new straw cup from Brodie!

The four of us!!!
4 months pregnant :)

Radio Flyer

Radio Flyer

This was her fist wagon ride and she loved it!  We walked to a playground with swings and slides.  My tailbone is still bruised from my attempt to take her down the big slide in my lap.  I didn't realize how fast we would go off the end and I couldn't slow down.  It was pretty funny for Blaise to watch, ha!  We didn't get that on video, but we did get her laughing in the swing.

Bath Time

She loves bath time and even tries to climb in the tub when her clothes are still on.  

Backpack

Sporting her new backpack.  Our little girl is growing up fast!

Cheerios

Jiles loves cheerios and loves that Roxy follows her everywhere when she has them.  Jiles shares her cheerios and Roxy shares her bed....

Diaper Time

We let Jiles run around in her diaper before we put her pajamas on.  She usually gets a burst of energy and runs wild through the house.  As you will see in the video, Roxy gets in on the fun too...

Lunch with Father Leo

We first met Father Leo in Maryland at Mt. Saint Mary's while visiting Chase.  He is a professor there and travels around promoting his Grace Before Meals Movement.  We were lucky enough to have him come to our parish here in Bloomington to speak.  We had lunch with him at Blaise's parents where he gave us cooking tips and lulled Jiles with his singing.  He is an amazing chef and was featured on Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay".  Father Leo won the challenge with his famous steak fajitas.  Here is the link to his Grace Before Meals website...you might be tempted to try one of his recipes!

Grace Before Meals

Birthday Girl!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Jiles!

I can't believe it's been a year since Jiles was born!  Becoming a parent has been the most amazing experience and I can't imagine life without her.  Jiles has accomplished so much in this past year and we are so proud of her.  She had lots of fun at her 1st birthday party.  Here are some pics from the weekend...

(Sorry for the delay in posting, I had computer issues.)

Getting dressed for the party!

Waiting for her guests to arrive!

Red velvet heart shaped cake!

Charlie and Jiles!

On our way to dinner.

Kerstin's birthday dinner at Medici's.

The two birthday girls...Kerstin and Jiles!

Jiles is one lucky girl.  Thanks for all the gifts!!!

"Wife Wins Man Cave Makeover for Husband"

I won!!!!!  I entered a contest through Ashley Furniture in hopes of winning a man cave makeover for Blaise.  I'm still shocked that I won and can't wait to see the finished product.  I surprised Blaise with the good news and he was both excited and in disbelief.  He finally started to realize what was happening when the designers showed up an hour later.  I am so happy that I won this for him.  He is the best Dad and Husband Ever.  This is what I submitted along with a photo of our basement....

‎"I would love to surprise my husband with the man cave makeover to show him how much I appreciate his love and commitment to our family. He works extra hours every week to make it possible for me to stay home with our daughter. He never complains and is always telling me that he wouldn’t want it any other way. With our second child due in August, he has accepted that his dream of turning the basement into a sports bar may never happen. I am so blessed to have him in my life and this man cave makeover would be a perfect way to show my appreciation and give him something he deserves."

TV clip and article from WEEK News 25....

(Watch for Jiles--I'm holding her when everyone is shaking hands.   I think they avoided 

announcing that I won since they knew I was going to surprise Blaise.)

Wife wins Man Cave Makeover for husband

By WEEK Reporter
February 21, 2012

PEORIA, Ill. -- It's the one place in the house where a man...can be a man.

Ashley Furniture on Knoxville Tuesday announced the winner of their Man Cave Makeover contest.

The grand prize winner received a $4,000 shopping spree and professional design assistance.

"It's gonna be a very comfortable and manly design. And, uh, it's gonna be a place where probably, the lady of the house won't be able to resist," said Mike Bruegge, Owner, Ashley Furniture.

The grand prize winner was actually the lady of the house, who plans to surprise her husband with the new design.