Another Year

As the year comes to a close, I look back and can easily recollect so much to be grateful for...especially family and friends.

First, our own little family. Baby Thomas has already brought so much joy and love into our lives. He is now two months old and growing so quickly. Yesterday at his check-up he weighed in at 11 lbs and 11 oz! About 4 lbs gained since birth! As for his weight, height and head size...all in the 50th percentile for his age. We feel so blessed that he is healthy.

Our families, extended family members and friends...what a year it has been! Many memories that we will cherish. Especially with the arrival of Thomas, we are indeed grateful for the selfless acts of service and kindness shown to us.

Another year is on the horizon and we know it will be full of challenges, especially with TJ being deployed...and yet there is great hope and joy in the many experiences to come, memories to make and sweet reunions to come...it will surely be another blessed year for us...and baby Thomas!

Calvert Cliffs

This past weekend, TJ and I took our doggies on a trip south towards Solomon's Island. We decided to go on a hike to see Calvert Cliffs. The nearly 2 mile hike in was well worth it when we saw our destination, a beautiful beach sprayed with pieces of shells and fossils. The view to the north of the cliffs was absolutely stunning. We arrived at nearly sunset with just enough time to get back to our car before sundown. What a way to end such a gorgeous day.

In Loving Memory

Albert "Al" Schutzman
September 1, 1915 - February 3, 2011













The day before Grandpa passed away, my daily calendar had a quote that said, "A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart." The following morning bore news of his passing.
We've just now returned from Brattleboro, Vermont where funeral services were held for Grandpa Schutzman on Friday the 11th of February. It was a very simple and yet quaint service where memories followed by laughter and tears were shared.
Funerals are not something that you look forward to but it was nice to be together with family and to be reminded how precious life and our relationships with one another are.
Although his departure has been a sad time, knowing that he has been reunited with Grandma is of great comfort.

Baked & Wired

Who knew that one cupcake could have such an effect on me? Well, I'm sure you didn't have to let your imagination run too wild. So, sorry all you Georgetown Cupcake fans...my new love is Baked & Wired! I had "Karen's Birthday" cupcake, a delicious combo of fresh chocolate cake topped with a vanilla buttercream frosting...I had no idea it was "Karen's" birthday and I didn't even buy a gift...but boy oh boy did her cupcake taste scrumptious!
Thank goodness they parked the bike out front for me...gotta burn off those calories (but oh sooo worth it)!

Me Crêpe Amour

I had my first Georgetown crêpe! Oh how I have missed these savory delights that make me salivate! I came upon this shop located in the DC area with my friend Emily as we were seeking some place to satisfy our taste buds over lunch. Good find!
"The Mayflower" was on the menu - a tasty combo of smoked turkey, swiss cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and cranberry sauce.
D-lish! Hint: Click on the title for a quick link to their website.

Snow Time!

The new year has brought snow! Lola loves to run, jump and eat it up! Lucy would rather stay indoors where it is warmer these days.

A Wonderful Christmas

I meant to post this before the new year started...but enjoy anyway.
We spent the Christmas holiday in Maryland and spent time with T.J.'s family. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed making more wonderful memories with everyone.
Of course the year wouldn't be complete without T.J. getting me some sort of gift that pertains to cleaning. Even when we were dating, out first Christmas he bought me a dirt devil (note: I also received a Coach hand bag). Some people may take it as rude or insincere but I can honestly say that I LOVE it! He knows that cleaning is something I love (truly)...or maybe it's not the cleaning as much as the clean result. Regardless, I've enjoyed my dirt devil, my steam grout cleaner and I'm sure I'll enjoy my new clothing steam cleaner!

Birthday Surprises

My husband is so thoughtful! He has planned fabulous trips for each of my birthdays since we’ve been married (nearly two years). Last year we began with New York City, hitting Broadway to see Wicked, visit the Statue of Liberty and tour the town. This year we kept it country as we road tripped to Nashville, enjoying cabin life in the hills of Tennessee and kayaking at Rock Island. I have so many wonderful memories. I look forward to many more (memories and birthdays)!
P.S. Did I mention that he bought me a PINK kayak!? It came with my friend Kassidy in it!

My Husband

This Summer has been so wonderful to T.J. and me. I'm especially proud of him for passing his test to become a Tech Sergeant in the Air Force. He has worked so hard (and continues to do so) to continue in his career and be successful. I truly feel blessed to have him in my life. He has brought so much joy to me and I'm thankful for his family who have shaped him and shared him. ;) He has such a great influence on me for the good and makes me smile when I think of him. He is a loyal friend and he draws people towards him with his love and open arms. Children flock to him (especially our nieces and nephews) and that's a good sign of someone whose character is true. I love him.

Hello Crab Salad!

I recently went to see the nutritionist and got some great advice on doing, "what I used to do" before I got married...eating lots of SALADS! Maybe the reason why we as women change our good habits is for very good reasoning, but in the end it really just cuts us short and bites us in the butt. My reasoning was that I wanted to make my husband happy and make him yummy dinners every night and so rather than waste money and effort on making two meals, one for him...and one for me...I just decided to eat what he likes. Bad idea. He is such a meat and potato boy and carbs seem to be his friend. However, this doesn't seem to work for me. I suppose rather than biting me in the butt, the carbs like to sit and gather with their friends there. So here's to more salads in my future! Too bad I have to say good-bye to a few of my favorite treats, but I'm sure I'll be happy in the end...uh hum...and my "end" will be happier too!

The Birthday Boy!

Yesterday was T.J.'s birthday...it was a big one...he turned 30! I'd been thinking about what do for him for quite some time, tossed around some ideas with friends and nearly booked a surprise getaway. But with work schedules and timing not being on our side I had to go with something that he wouldn't expect and what I knew he'd get excited about. Perhaps we're seeing a theme here, because our first year of marriage I bought him all new snowboarding gear...then this year with the Kayak...it's all about this boy's toys. :) I just love him!

Growing up so fast!

I've been working on our Summer plans for this year and realized that my nephew Turner, just turned one this week! He's growing up so fast and he along with his brothers (Tyken and Trager) will be moving into their first new house soon! T.J. and I can't wait to visit all of them this Summer...here's a look back at last year when we were visiting Utah! I remember that the "older" kids went on a log ride at Lagoon and got soaked...guess some kids grow up faster than others.

Starting our Summer

What would the summer be like without baseball? As the summer and the O's season began, we were sure to go to our first game.














We also kicked things off at home with the Air Show. My brother and his family met with me and we were able to visit with TJ while he was working.

Sunset on the Dock

We Felt Like Artists

Yes, Easter was just a couple months ago but I can't help but look back and revel in our artistic moments.

A Tribute to Spring

My Favorite

Brantley: Hey Scott, I have special magical powers where I can move things with my mind.
Scott: Oh yah, well move this (pointing to his toy dog).
Brantley: You don't understand, I can only move certain things.
Scott: Like what?
Brantley: Like split peas.

D.C. Temple

Jodi and TJ standing outside the Visitor's Center at the LDS Washington D.C. Temple.

Fondue Fun

We had a great Valentine's weekend which started off on Friday night, celebrating my brothers birthday at The Melting Pot.






Happy Birthday Josh!