My Mander

It's been so long since I've done a post, but this weekend gave me a really great reason to do a special post. I've got the most amazing best friends in the world, honestly. This particular best friend is my Mander aka Amanda. We met 7 years ago at the yellow pages where we both worked. She was a sales rep, I was a designer.

You know when you just know that you've got something great for life? That's what Amanda is to me. She has been an amazing influence on me in so many ways. She taught me how to cook and how to garden. We spent endless weekends making projects and watching movies. There was a time when we were at her house more than our own! Amanda and I have been through so much together. We've seen one another in our best and at our worst times. We've been each other's rock. And at the end of the day, she has been and will always be one of the most amazing women I've ever met.

I've been blessed with a beautiful angel and I got to spend the entire weekend with her. We decorated for Kandon's party, made yummy food, had a picnic and enjoyed a beautiful fall scenery from HighRock. She's become part of our family. I am so excited to share a new chapter of life with her as she creates a beautiful little boy. It's such an honor to be part of her experience. That little boy has a very special mother, the best. I can't wait to see this dream come true.

I love you dearly.

Fun Times

As I sat on the tire swing at the park watching Kandon and AJ play on the slide, I can't help but think about how lucky I am. Every day brings new challenges for us all, but having a beautiful, healthy child and a handsome, loving husband sure does make a difference.

In the distance, we heard the faint sound of, what Kandon calls, a "Choo-Choo." All of a sudden AJ starts running and Kandon and his little legs start running behind him. "Hurry Daddy! The Choo-Choo is coming!" They had a race to see if they could make it to the fence before the train did. Their world stopped for the next 90 seconds as the train flew by them. Watching, pointing, smiling. Watching Choo-Choos are their favorite past time.

Did I run after them? Nope. Not because I wasn't excited too, but because I was caught in my own moment, watching the two of them form a bond that was so deep. When they ran, it seemed like it was slow motion, watching AJ look back at Kandon, Kandon pointing and his hair blowing back, the train approaching them... It was like everything had stood still. While they were focused on the train, I was focused on them.

This was one of those moments that stick in your heart.

Duck Pin

Wow! It's been a while since I've done a post. There's been so many great things happening! We've been doing a lot of afternoon activities with Kandon, like going to the museum, the pool, parks, and most recently, duck pin bowling!

Last weekend we paired up with some dear friends of ours, the Richer's, and took our boys, Kandon and their son Peyton, bowling. It was Kandon's first time, so Peyton showed him the tricks :) The funniest thing was on the way there, I said, "Kandon, we're going bowling!" and his response was, "They have a Wii there??!!" I couldn't help but laugh. The thing I cherished most about this trip was the good old fashion fun we had with friends and loved ones. Why can't we all just stop and enjoy moments like this more often? Laughter, stories, talking. It's so good for the soul to just enjoy life. It's too short not to!

It's so important to us for Kandon to experience life. We want him to see things, do things, have memories that last a lifetime. So we'll keep finding new things to do and new places to explore. And in the meantime, we're creating some pretty awesome memories for us too.

Little Miracle

For 10 months I had the pleasure of watching my best friend nurture and create a beautiful little miracle. It's amazing how in such a short amount of time (well, when you're pregnant it feels like forever!) the body can create fingers, toes, a heart and a life. How it all works we'll never understand.

Friday we got the call... it's go time. A week after her estimated grand entrance date. I was sitting in the studio and remember feeling like my heart was going to pound out of my chest. Would it go well? Would they both be safe and healthy? Should I go now or later? After driving myself nuts, I went home and took a nap in anticipation of a long evening. Around 7:30pm we headed to the hospital and I felt so relieved just to see Amber's face and to be with her. She had an amazing team with her; Mat, her wonderful husband was right by her side. Her mother was an amazing breathing coach through her contractions, and the rest of her family offered their love and support. Amber was a trooper, breathing her way through every step.What an honor to be part of this experience.

After many hours of labor and a good solid epidural nap, she was ready to go. We sat in the waiting room from 6am-7:30am when the nurse peaked her head out the door and said, she did it, she's here and healthy!

After her family spent their time with the new family, I got to meet her. Her long arms, her beautiful complexion, the head full of hair. She is perfect! We quietly rocked in the chair as we became acquainted.

Morgan, I am looking forward to watching you grow. Being your friend. Experiencing life with you in it. I love you Buhrman's.

Java

One of my favorite places to go is Port City Java in Hagerstown. It's relaxed and inspiring. Yesterday I was between clients and decided to pop in to Port City to enjoy a yummy grande soy frappacappacino with a little extra vanilla (yes, I'm very specific). I plopped down in the oversized leather chair, kicked my shoes off and turned on my laptop. The music was soft and upbeat and the smell of fresh espresso is unlike any other.

I remember sitting in that exact same chair when I was pregnant with Kandon. I had just quit my job and started the business. I was getting cabin fever and wanted to be in a creative atmosphere, so I would go to Port City to inspire myself. Hard to believe that was almost 4 years ago...

I always leave feeling the same way, relaxed and inspired. It's always been there for me.

a whole other world

Last week my girl Tamara took me to the city. We had some important business to take care of first thing, but then she took me into what I like to call "a city within a city." I am amazed at the amazing things that are out there. Within Rockville are these cities, where people eat, dine and shop. They essentially don't have to drive anywhere! Did I mention there was a 2 story Target and a cupcake shop? My heart pumps for these places, they fuel my creative juices.

This trip made me realize, Heck! I need to get out more! I need to experience what is out there and I need to take my boys with me! Different restaurants, unique shops, fun activities, there's so much to take in. So you can guess what we'll be doing this summer, seeing what the East Coast has to offer... I want Kandon to grow up with memories of taking adventures and finding treasures. What we have here is fantastic, but why not add to it?

BTW, you know someone loves you when you ask them to sit in the middle of a sidewalk to take a foot picture, and they don't even question you ;)

The Gap

If you live anywhere near Franklin County, you've been to Cowans Gap. For those of you who haven't, the Gap is like an escape, like going to the beach without having to drive 3 hours. There's something about driving up that windy road with the windows down into this hidden treasure that amazes me. Who knew at the top of a mountain there would be such a lovely escape from reality. How great is it to leave everything behind for a long afternoon. No work, the cell phone service up there is crap so you don't even have to talk to anyone, except the company you've taken with you.

This past Sunday dinner we had a picnic at the Gap. Grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, cheddar sausages... charcoal hotdogs have to be among my favorite things in the whole world. The best part about the entire trip was the monsoon that almost threw us off the mountain. We all got there, set up the canopy and blankets, and over in the distance came a very angry black cloud. In a matter of seconds the rain was coming down sideways and we were all hanging on to the tent for dear life. So much for the tent keeping things dry! We laughed so hard it was impossible to not enjoy this random act of nature. My favorite part was running in the wind with my beach towel over my head like Mary Poppins, soaking wet.

The Gap provides memories, and each time it has its own adventure. As Kandon likes to call it, "the beach" will always be there to add to the stories.

The Real World

Last year we had a high school junior, Karissa, intern with Worx. She's one heck of an artist and has a hard working spirit. For about 12 weeks, she spent time with us to find out if design was a career choice she would like to pursue. The thing I love about Karissa is she is one of the most giving human beings I've ever met. She donates her time with various organizations, serves as a mentor to other youth and gives her time at homeless shelters. Her summer job this year is working with elderly, reading them books, playing cards and being a positive companion. I love her spirit.

This past weekend, I was honored to be part of her graduation party. She and her family invited us into their home to be part of a wonderful celebration. She asked if we would all write some inspiring words into her journal, and about 2 paragraphs into it, I started to cry. Karissa gave me a reminder of where I started. Who says a young female artist graduating high school can't tackle the world? Sounds familiar. When I look at Karissa, I see myself, 9 years ago. At her party, I had a huge sense of accomplishment, as if I had just graduated...not high school, but the next chapter of my life.

This girl is packed full of talent and compassion. She's closed one chapter but her book will have a long and powerful story. Later this month she'll start her college journey at Full Sail University, online, majoring in design. I'm honored to know Karissa, as she makes me strive to be a better person.

My full time hobby

I was thinking this morning, why on earth haven't I done a tread post this past week? We've done so many wonderful things! We spent the day at the circus, went to chocolate world, had a pool party with some extended family and went to a welcome home party for a friend returning from Iraq. I was having such a great time that I completely forgot to take pictures for the blog!

In the mist of our activities, I've also been handed a challenge and a gift. I like to call it my full time hobby, aka, my business. Today as I'm sitting in Highline listening to a slow jazz music and the sound of steaming milk, smelling the fresh brewed espresso, I'm reflecting on the last 2 weeks of work and all the amazing opportunities that have opened up. After almost 4 years of hard work and dedication, excitement and frustration, tears of joy and tears of fear, my business has nestled itself into a world of unstoppable opportunities. I never take a day for granted. I have been blessed with a talent that allows me to be who I am and be home with my family.

I've got one heck of a support system. These people have watched me walk away from a guaranteed paycheck and into the unknown. 4 years later, they are still my #1 fans. And don't you worry, there are still plenty of tricks up these sleves ;)

Candy Land

Wednesday I went on a road trip to meet a new client in Silver Spring, MD. I planned my meeting, got all dolled up and did my thing. I really love what I do. I'm not even going to call it my job because it's really not work, it's like a full time hobby. I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love and still be home with Kandon. I was given a special talent and a mission and I will fulfill it.

My meeting went so well I smiled the whole way to the car and I found out that my favorite place in the whole wide world was just 5 miles away. IKEA. If you've never been to IKEA, I must encourage you experience it just once (it's a Swedish home furnishing store). It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside :) There's an awesome cafe that serves Swedish meatballs, two stories of creative goodness and gadgets galore. I spent 3 hours with myself and Mr. IKEA, getting ideas and replacing some much needed stuff in our house. It was glorious.

So what's the importance of this? It reminded me that I have a goal. One day, sooner than later, we have a goal to buy our own home. We want to fix things, build things, add on, and refurnish. I long for the day that we are handed a set of keys and told "Congratulations on your new home." It gives me chills just thinking about it. We have achieved every other goal we've set. Why stop now?

Guess where my first stop will be? A little place I call Candy Land...

Family Dinner

Sunday's are a very special time for me. About 9 months ago, my adopted parents (Tina and Dave) said "hey, we're making spaghetti Sunday night, you should see if Derek, Rita and Denise want to come!" With a little planning, we were all able to get together for dinner at their house that Sunday night. That night, family dinner was born.

Each Sunday around 5pm, we start pouring into Tina and Dave's house. We bring our spouses, our children and our weekly stories. You can smell the food cooking usually before you even get to the door. The second we walk in, there's an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness. The kind of love my brother, sister and I have always longed for. We laugh, tell jokes, vent, cut coupons, take a walk and we've recently added an evening session of bowling on the Wii. It's hours of happiness.

Every Sunday around 7:30 you can find a trail of us walking downtown. It's a nice way to let some of that food settle in. We always end up at the railroad station where we listen for trains, play on the hill and let our hearts pour out. There's something about that train station that lets you know it's all ok. Maybe it's not the station, maybe it's just the amazing people standing around it.

Family dinner means so much in so many ways. To Tina and Dave it's a way to extend their love and family. They are the most giving people you'll ever meet. To Derek, Rita and Erika it's a place to feel comfortable and loved. To Denise and David, it's a place of acceptance a place to get good ole fashion home cooked meals. To AJ it's togetherness. To Kandon, it's a way to have all of us in the same room at the same time. To me, it's love and appreciation, my definition of family.

To all of us, it's the most important time of the week. A time to celebrate our love and be who we are. I am thankful for my family - my best friends. Thank you all for making Sunday's my most cherished time.

The Posse

You know how some people are brought into your life for a reason? Over the last year or so, two amazing ladies have entered my life. These gals have become what we like to call "The Posse." Here's the kicker, we're all small business owners, so we speak the same language. We've become massage junkies at Tamara's therapeutic office and gym junkies at Corinna's gym. And when they need a super awesome creative project done, they call me ;)

We also share crazy schedules, so for the first time, we all got together outside of the gym and got our nails done. What's better than having tropical scented oil and sea salt slathered all over your legs and laughing at the mixture of Christmas and Valentine decor (it's May) and the 14 faux finishes on the wall? Oh I know, all falling in love with the same color, "Swing Baby!" A lovely metallic browny/silver color.

I am really blessed to have such amazing friends surround me. I know that no matter what is going on, these gals are standing behind me ready to catch a few tears or throw a few punches. I am honored to have them in my life.

Hope

When you meet someone, you never know what road lies ahead for them. A dear friend of mine just went through a life changing experience. One moment you're healthy and going about your daily lives and the next your being told a cancerous tumor was found.

Over the last few weeks she kept us updated on the surgeries, the recovery, the tests and the trials. We watched her undergo a major surgery that has changed her life forever. Yet in the mist of all of this, I've never seen her more optimistic. She's surrounded herself with good people and energy. She's holding her husband by her side, who has just returned from Iraq. She's being strong and optimistic, she has hope.

Monday night we sat around her kitchen table and laughed. I listened to her stories of the hospital, we laughed at the boys playing on the wii, and we enjoyed some homemade cupcakes that lit up her face.

I've learned a lot from this dear friend over the last few weeks: Never take life for granted. Be hopeful when the times seem their worst. Laugh at danger because with the right spirit, we can overcome anything.

Eight

In 10th grade, Eleven and a half years ago to be exact, I was sitting in Geometry class minding my own business. For some reason, the cute guy two seats ahead of me thought it was entertaining to throw tiny paper balls at me. All I knew was he was the hot guy that drove a pumpkin orange lowrider truck that didn't pay attention in class. He was too focussed on the cute girl two seats behind him.

I remember those days like they were yesterday. The trips in the lowrider, the huge JNCO jeans, bleaching our hair (I'm surprised we're not bald.) We didn't realize it at the time, but we were building a foundation for the rest of our lives.

Today, we celebrate 8 years of marriage. We celebrate the long nights in college, the obstacles and the growths, the new jobs and the layoffs and the beautiful child we created. We celebrate the good and the bad because everything we've experienced has made us the people we are today. The most rewarding thing when I leave this earth will be looking back and seeing that my life was spent with him.

I love you AJ Wallace.

Morgan

Over the last 9 months, I've watched my best friend create the most beautiful little gift. Little miss Morgan is due to come anytime between now and Father's Day and I must say, I can hardly wait to meet her. I remember the day Amber told me like it was yesterday... we were in the studio and before she could even let the words escape her mouth, her eyes told me.

Saturday I had the privilege to take some amazing photos of Amber's beautiful pregnancy. We planned on taking them outside, but the rain forced us to stay indoors and we ended up in what is soon to be Morgan's room.

As I waited for Amber to change into her next outfit, I sat on the floor and thought about the joy that was about to enter this room. The new life that was about to be born. The unexplainable love.

I can't wait to see your tiny face.

Skippin Stones

One of our favorite places to go is Renfrew Park in Waynesboro, PA. It's where we got married, it's where we have picnics, it's where a father teaches his son how to skip stones. I love to watch Kandon and AJ together. When they're together it's like the rest of the world stops. I sat on the log next to the flowing water and just watched the two of them. AJ shows him which stones are best for skipping, how to hold his hand to throw them, and watches the light in Kandon's eye when the stones jumps, two, three, four times down the river.

The love they have is priceless, and I have the honor to watch it.

Mommy's Day

3 1/2 years ago I was given the greatest gift of all: a 6lb 9oz - 19 1/2" long baby boy. I remember the day like it was yesterday, the smell of the air, the colors on the trees, the way he looked... a day I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Each Mother's day Kandon and I do a very special painting together. We have a 12" square canvas that starts off white and ends up a masterpiece of abstract colors. Our first Mother's day he was 6 months old, so I covered his hands and feet in paint and pressed them on the canvas...this year was our 4th painting. The weather was beautiful, so we pitched a blanket, sat outside, and for 30 min, all that mattered in the world was Kandon and our paint palette.

Each year our paintings evolve from tiny toe prints to abstract works of art. I can't help but wonder what they will look like when he's school age, teen and adult. Creating paintings with him every mommy's day for the rest of my life is something I hold near and dear to my heart.

5th Grade

One day you're waiting at the school bus stop, pointing at the new girl and wondering if she'll be your friend. The next thing you know it's 16 years later and you're taking your kids to the park. Saturday I got to visit my best friend, the one I've had since 5th grade. How do I know she's a best friend? We've gone through elementary and middle school together, separated at high school, moved to different towns, started our adult lives with relationships and both had children. And yet through all of that, I know that I can pick up the phone and call Rachel, spend the day with her and her adorable daughter and reminisce on where we've been and what's changed.

We grabbed some happy meals and headed to the park Saturday, and while the kids played perfectly for almost 3 hours, I got to sit with my long time best friend, laughing about the past and gazing into the future. What's the best part about all of this? We get to do it again over the next 16, 26, 46 years. Love you Rach.

Locked out

It was a lovely day to walk to my studio office downtown Hagerstown. As I rounded the corner, I realized that my keys would benefit me more had I not left them on my kitchen counter. So, as I awaited my very pregnant Amber to come, I sat on the brick steps outside my office. I took a moment to appreciate the fine architecture of downtown Hagerstown, watched the busy business folk walk by and thought about what I wanted to accomplish over the next few hours. The sun was shining a comfortable 65 degrees and the air had just enough energy behind it to blow my hair. So, leaving my keys in a not so convenient place did me some good. I stopped for about 10 minutes today to do, well, nothing.