Been a While

So, obviously it's been a LONG time since either of us wrote anything. And, since the world of FB, it's hard to bring myself to come here and actually write anything. I had honestly forgotten even how to login to this site. And, if I can ever get the permissions updated, I "may" can change the appearance of this thing. This is certainly not to say that I'll become a frequent writer again, likely far from it. But, lately there have just been a few things that I keep thinking "I need to write that down"....and, then I never do. I was never one to keep a journal, etc. Rarely something has been momentous enough that I actually have taken the time to write about it. But, nevertheless, there are things that I keep thinking I'd like to keep a record of or something, because there are often things in life that will repeat themselves. So, I'm now wondering if this is a good place to keep track of thoughts as that part of life is being experienced, so maybe the future "me" can look back and see what the "me" now struggled with, the lessons that were learned, what worked and didn't work in that phase of life, etc.

A LOT has changed in just 4 years

Four years ago at this moment, I was still Brandie Goldman. I had been this person for 30 years. In a few hours, I was about to become Brandie Penrose, and I wasn't quite sure what all life would hold for me, as I became a married woman. But, I was willing, eager, and excited to find out! Four years ago, I had never met a Drew or a Lexie. I didn't know what all God had in store for us, where would we live, would we have kids, what gender would they be, who would they look like.

It all started with this:



It's funny how time changes things, and how you change with time. 30 years ago, I thought about different things, I did different things, and I had a really great life. But, now......as crazy as life is with 2 small little ones.....this life is SO much sweeter.... Can't imagine my life without these 3 people in it, and I look forward to a lifetime of new memories with my little family.

And, became something like this:

Long time, no post...yeah yeah

So, it's been forever since I last posted something here, literally over a year. I know, I'm horrible. But, since everyone I know is on Facebook, then I don't really see the need to post pictures and whatnot over here too. So, obviously, all of the pics and details on this page need to be updated. But, that's not what has sparked my interest to write tonight.

I just bought Drew this collection of Disney stories because he needs a book with more words, and I thought, hey, why not...all of the old classics are in here, it will be cute.

Well, so we started out with Beauty and the Beast (have no idea why he chose that one). One page in, and we already have 3 fairies and a witch on the scene. Ok, well, I'm not reading that to my almost three year old son. Next story he chose was Pinocchio. What could possibly go wrong with that story? It has a good morale - if you tell lies, your nose gets bigger. Good story, right???

Well, not too far into this story, guess what appears but another fairy. Seriously?? Can we just have a nice story with no fairies or witches? And, then a few more pages in, and Jimminy Cricket arrives to be Pinocchio's "conscience".

Ok, so here are my issues with this story. The fairy giving life to Pinocchio saying "wake, the gift of life be thine". The ONLY story I want to read about giving life to someone is one about God. And, a cricket as someone's conscience??? That would be God again.....And, then to top this story off, the dad gets swallowed up by a whale?? I mean, come on....can you say Jonah?

Maybe I should just enjoy the story for what it is, a tell about lying and your nose growing. But, I SERIOUSLY have some issues with this story. I may just be taking this book back to the store sooner than later. We are already 0/2.

Disney 2009 Day 1 and 2

Disney pics from our May trip with friends and family.

Drew is packed up and ready to go. He now has his very own suitcase, "case" as he calls it. He packed it all by himself with toys and books, he was quite proud. Of course, he does have plenty of experience from watching his parents pack/unpack frequently for work trips.



At the airport in NC.


On the plane.









Oh WOW! We're here!





Drew and cousin Cooper. Drew looks deep in a conversation.









We had dinner with Cinderella and Prince Charming. Here are Maddy, Drew, and Cooper before dinner.



Drew and Tim.





Me and Drew.



Drew was not a fan of Prince Charming. His look says it all :).




He was also not a fan of the mouse :). He actually wasn't a fan of any characters, as you'll see in the pics.















Drew with Gee.






Tim and Jeremy.












Me and Jennifer.












What's so funny?






End of day 2.

Random old pics

Pic of when little man was sick back in April, he had up to 103 temp for a couple of days. All he wanted to do was lay on the couch and "tuck tuck" and watch Thomas the Train, or as he calls it "choo choo".






Tim and Drew grilling out. This has become a weekend tradition now that summer is here.



Of course, Drew always feels that the floors need to be swept. He tries to clean up after his parents :).





We got to attend a birthday party for one of Drew's daycare friends. I think I was more excited than he was about getting invited! Of course, Drew went NUTS about the BUBBLES!!! He kept running around screaming "BUBBLES and OH WOW!!!!".







Drew did not like this game, where you were put in the tent and slug around.











Me and Drew.