Summer isn't coming fast enough!

I told David I have nothing to write about on here. He suggested snow. We have had 2 blizzards in the past 2 weeks along with smaller storm systems. And again its snowing today. Can I just tell you how much I want it to be warm?

I miss the sunshine warming my face. I miss the heat on my hair as I lay on the beach, the rushing melodic sound of the ocean rolling to and fro, the birds singing the sweet sound of summer love outside my window as the sun rises to greet the day. I miss the greenery surrounding my home, the refreshing breeze through my window as I bake in the kitchen, the evening sunsets that cool the air while taking a walk with my family. I miss the thrill of waking on a Saturday morning wondering what treasures I will find at the yard sales. (Every season has a reason to shop but that's another post entirely.) I miss wearing a sundress and feeling the loose fabric caress my legs as I walk. I miss walking barefoot inside, outside, everywhere. I miss having a choice of footwear: open-toe, slingback, flip-flop, sneakers without socks, slip-on. I miss using the stroller in the mall to carry a child instead of our coats. I miss the tropical aroma of sun tan lotion on my skin, the highlights in my hair, the refreshing shower after an ocean adventure. I miss licking the powdery sugar off each finger as I devour a funnel cake. I miss carrying sleeping children to their beds after a night of rides in Ocean City.

Dear Summer,
I know we shall meet again. We wish you were here with us now. Our next meeting will bring new adventures as it always does with reflections of our past. A new babe will learn of your wonders and joys, will sleep on your beaches, will swim in your tides, will feel your sweet rain on his skin. And the rest of us will fall in love with you all over again. If we escape to our pre-chilled homes it is not because we don't love you, just that our love has grown too strong, too hot. We will return to you soon. But for now think of us and bring us a remembrance of your sunshine and warmth that we now crave. Until we meet again,
yours truly,
The Beach Broughs

Conversation heart

I want your feedback! If you were a conversation heart what would it say?

BIG Boy Brough

I had another ultrasound and he's looking good! He's measuring a little big again but still due around the end of May. I've started gaining weight. I'm up to 8 lbs. Last time I gained 26 lbs. and lost it all in 3 weeks. we'll see if I'm that lucky again :)

In my estimation his feet are looking huge! I wasn't thinking "aw look at his cute feet." instead it was "WHOA! His feet are giant!" But the doctor said that about Lily as soon as she was born. My last doctor was 5 feet tall from the Philippines and insisted Lily's feet were as big as hers. He'll be just the same I'm sure.

He isn't modest at all! He let us all know he was a boy and we better be ready for him. Already he's got waiting for him: a 2T flight suit, a bomber jacket and 2 airplane mobiles (one's wood, the other plush). Maybe he'll be a fighter pilot like his Grandpa Larry!

He's moving lots now. He's kicking me right now! David felt him for the first time last week. He said "Hi, Its daddy!" and boom, he got a strong high-five! Daddy was thrilled. Lily calls my tummy "baby" but she also calls her own tummy "baby". We're still working on his name. I think we know his first name but we're still thinking. I'm afraid to ask for suggestions because most are quite unusual. I am interested in male family names for his middle name if there are any suggestions :)

Santa Baby

We had a fantastic Christmas! We spent it here in New Jersey with my parents and Lilia really got into it all. She had too many presents to open all at once. She ran away at one point and returned later to finish. Thanks to everyone who helped make it special! Also in this post are pics of our Candy houses and some more snow shots.

Santa was very good to her!

emptying her stocking. Her favorite was the orange. I have video I will add later of her dancing with it to "Feliz Navidad"

She can sit on the elephant, how cool is that!
(Behind her is baby boy's big present, a Sit n' Stand Plus stroller!)

Christmas Morning in our matching jammies. I made our pajama pants :)
(But my bum is bigger than expected, I split my pants after opening presents.)

Lilia is such a girl, she squealed while opening her pj's on Christmas Eve. Then held them up saying "pretty!"

Riding on her new fairy ride on from Grammy and Pop

She got so overwhelmed by presents that she finally took a few toys to her bedroom and shut the door. She returned about 20 mins later ready to continue.

My cookie house.

Check out Lily's name on the back. We gave it away that night to her nursery leader.

David's house of awesomeness!

I was hoping Lily could actually help. But she kept stealing the candy off the house.

my dwarf snowman

she wouldn't ride. only pull

her first snowball fight was a little one sided

I made our Christmas stockings!

I tend to be quite ambitious when it comes to sewing. Surprisingly, I've been mostly successful. I was given a variety of christmas fabric this summer. I decided to take on another project. It has been the last item on my to do list before Christmas. But I promised myself if I didn't complete it there was always next Christmas and I was not allowed to be angry with myself. Gimme a few snow days and voila! Each is different and backed with a different fabric. I'm not usually a patchwork kinda girl, but I'm really pleased with them. From left to right is David's, mine, Lilia's and baby boy. The boys have a red sparkly pom-pom and the girls have green. The top is a soft shaggy fleece that is quite forgiving, which is a bonus when you sew. They're all lined with a solid white muslin. My next step is to embroider our names or initial on the top, but probably after Christmas. And bonus I cut enough random squares and have enough fabric and pom-poms for our future children (however few or many that may be). Let me know what you think!

Merry Christmas!

SNOW DAY and travel tips

We'll be having a white christmas here in South Jersey! Lilia loves the snow, which kinda surprised me. She doesn't like the cold or the wind. We got hit pretty hard, so hard David has no school tomorrow! Here are the photos of our adventures in the snow.hehe, its snowing :)

helping clean up the snow

adding more snow to that tree

The wall of snow is up to her shoulders.

Look its snowing!

I want to taste it.

Two snow bunnies!

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LILIA'S TRAVEL TIPS FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASONBe sure to accessorize during your holiday parties.All christmas travelers must have their luggage, their handbag and their hat. Yes her gettysburg hat is on backwards :)

When you get tired while traveling make sure your luggage is large enough for you to rest on top of it.

Have a very Merry Christmas! If you are traveling, be safe. and if you're staying at home, be warm. May you feel the love of Jesus Christ in your lives at this special time.

Christmas Carol Tribute to the Broughs

The Brough family has taught me many things. One of them is a Christmas carol parody. We are expecting snow this evening and this song must now be sung. I dedicate this to Larry, Joy, Brad, David, Jennifer, and Kathryn.

(to be sung to the tune of "Let it Snow!")

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
and my dog is getting spiteful,
so I open the door to let him go
YELLOW SNOW, YELLOW SNOW, YELLOW SNOW!