SHEMUSL

Many of you know about a dream of mine ...

A dream that just might have come true about 4-5 years ago ... realized, then sacrificed before Jackson was born.  Yep.  I gave up one baby (my blue, 1970 Chevy Nova) for another.

Then I was a wife, and a mother, and a homemaker, and a diaper changer, and a chef, and a minivan driver, and a family planner, and a pregnant lady (again), and a mother of 2, and a diaper changer AND potty chair emptier, and a pull-your-hair-outer ...

So I said to Justin one day:  "I need to take some of my 'identity' back.  And I'm going to do it!"

Then things came together ... and that dream was realized again.

***

This baby is a work in progress.  So ... I wanted to share some "before" photographs so we can watch the transformation.  And ... I'm doing it myself ... which makes me kinda proud.

Nevertheless, it sure feels good behind the wheel ... behind a 350 Chevy small block V8.  Uh oh ... better not get me started!

Be that mechanic ...

you always wanted to marry.

Just Sayin'

Tidbits of Summer

And ... because I've been a blogging slacker ALL Summer (and I'm even stretching the "indian summer" at this point) ... here are:

Tidbits of our Summer

2013

We kicked it off with Apple Blossom.

And mom and dad's trip to Niagara Falls.

The "splashpad" opened in downtown Winchester.

We made up for lost time at the pool (and JayDees).

Jax rode his first go-kart.

There were LOTS of county fairs!

And time with friends.

We went to Myrtle Beach.

And bowling.

And Dinosaur Land.

And the Toy Train Museum in WV.

We definitely ate some good food ... didn't say it was good for us.

We began learning to ride our bikes.

And now that it's Fall ... we are getting into FOOTBALL!

And beautiful women.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

In September, we took a little "weekend" (because Justin never has weekends off) getaway to Lancaster, PA ... just the four of us!  It was our first TRUE "family vacation" with the kiddos without my parents' help.  In Lancaster, we explored Amish Country ... complete with a horse drawn buggy ride, authentic cuisine, and a trip aboard the Strasburg Railroad.  Jackson even had the opportunity the meet Thomas the Tank Engine (parent tip: go the Strasburg the day BEFORE "Day Out With Thomas" ... your children get to see Thomas, you don't have to wait in lines, and it is much cheaper!).

The following day, we took the boys to Dutch Wonderland - a theme park geared toward ages 3-12.  Jackson could ride almost everything in the park.  Oliver could ride probably 75% of the rides as well (so could Justin and I).  I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dutch Wonderland!  Next year, I foresee season passes for the Heath family!

For this trip, I exercised the freedom of traveling without my DSLR camera.  Therefore, these are authentic, candid, unedited iPhone images.  Don't hold it against me!  Gosh, though ... it sure felt good!