A birthday party!

2!

Ada's name was chosen from a character out of Frazier's "Cold Mountain" which Sam and I read while living in Tennessee. We saved the name and knew when we saw her image on the ultra-sound that her name would be Ada.

Everyone says, "oh, my great-aunt" or "grandma's" name was Ada, "and I loved her!" It's been wonderful getting responses from people who have such fond memories of the Ada in their life.

Sam and I have since learned that my step-dad had a beloved Ada in his family, and that Grandma Laurie Schwartz has an aunt named Ada.

Thanks to Grandma Schwartz for connecting me with Ada Wolf (only a few years older than G. Schwartz), who shared much of her life with me by letter obviously scented with perfume. At 86, she lives in Monticello, Iowa. Originally born in Colville, Washington Ada W. is the youngest of 14 siblings, and is the last one living.

Ada W. lived in various places in Washington until she married George Wolf at 20. They had 2 boys and 2 girls and lived in Monticello where Ada worked as a secretary for the local school district. Ada W. shared much more about her life which I'm not necessarily comfortable sharing online, but she experienced many losses and joys in her life as many of us do.

She believes she was named in memory of an Ada in her mom's family who died prematurely; one who I am sure was thought of fondly, like most Ada's I find are.

So, here is to the many adored and loved Ada's out there - and particularly to Ada Violet who celebrated her 2nd birthday today with many who adore and love her as well.

Happy Birthday, Ada V.

Remaining days of April...

Having fun with Ellen at the UA Take Back the Night rally

Feeding ducks at Reid Park

We found her in the back yard just chilling out eating an apple slice

Daydreaming out of the front window

Changing everyday

Easter!

Story time before the big egg hunt!

Hunting for Easter eggs with her friend, Ellen

Falling so far behind! Pictures from March

I think she is quite beautiful here

Sam and I had fun with her wild, wild hair.

Just chillin' out at the Mariner's Spring training in Tucson (with Dad).

Someone scored an official baseball -lucky girl...must have been the hair!

Our big girl officially moved into a toddler bed last month!

I can still feel all of that love from here

Piano. Guitar. Singing.

As long as I can remember, music has been part of my life. I'll admit that over the last many years, it's not been at the forefront of my daily life as routine, grown-up stuff and obligations have gotten in the way. But I always come back to it. I have the honor of singing at a friends wedding this May, and it has rekindled my love of singing and music.

When Sam and I were first married and moved to Tennessee, I remember saving my money (we were broke!), rushing out to the store to buy the new Dixie Chick's CD, Home when it was first released. I actually waited outside the store before it opened so I could get that CD (as if there was an overwhelming crowd!). I played it over and over and over. Sam claims he loved overhearing me sing at the top of my lungs to Landslide while listening to my headphones in the tub. The other CD I played over and over was Alison Kraus and Union Station Live from Bonnie, which I also got while in Tennessee for Christmas (thanks Bonnie, it continues to be one of my favorites).

I have always grown addicted to a new CD, reading the cover from front to back as I learned who wrote and produced the CD. I am a walking encyclopedia of random country music facts. My new favorite right now is Nora Jones, The Fall - a Christmas gift from Sam this past year. It's a change from her usual somber, mellow, piano inspired music. I really, really like it...and by the way, she wrote every song.

So, since trying to find a song to sing for my dear friend Melissa, I came across an artist that I've quickly fallen in love with - Ingrid Michaelson. She does a cover of an Elvis Presley song that I think is exquisite - Can't Help Falling in Love. It's in the collection of songs on the sidebar of Ada's blog.

Growing up I have specific memories about certain CD's - and many of them remind me of my Sister and Mom. My Mom always played The Judds and Trio. We knew every song and did housework, wall papered, rearranged the house (or whatever project my Mom had up her sleeve) while being serenaded to this music. Along with Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and many, many others; this is the music I grew up with.

My favorite musical memory is when I was in High School, and living at home as an undergrad while at LCC and UO. My Mom loved it when I played DJ at night before we went to bed. I would get the CD's out, sit in front of the stereo and play a collection of mellow songs and sing along to them at the top of my lungs (sorry, Steph).

I'm a bit old for that now, but feeling a bit nostalgic I put together a playlist. Some new, some old, some family favorites, some of my favorites, to share with you. I'm actually very sad that playlist.com did not have Wynonna Judd's All of that love from here. I pasted the words below, just because. I used to love belting that one out and it very much reminds me of home.

I will try to update it with songs as I recall them, so check back often. Go ahead - let the playlist play while you go about your morning, or evening, or while getting ready for bed...

All Of That Love From Here

Songwriters: Higgins, Sharon Rose; Langham, Lynn; Bergsnes, Kris

I can see a cotton field
An old man working in the mill
I can see loadin' the trunk of my old blue Oldsmobile
I see the tears in my mama's eyes
When she kissed her baby goodbye
I can still feel all of that love from here

[Chorus]

I can see the cotton sheets
They're swingin' in the wind, out swingin' in the wind
I close my eyes and my mind flies
And I'm right back home again
I'm right back home and
I can get lost while I'm chasing my dreams
I find my way 'cause my heart has wings
And I can still feel all of that love from here

I was raised on love's foundation
The Rock of Ages goes unshaken
The faith and hope that was given to me is stronger than the blackjack tree
My mama taught me how to stand alone
She let me go but she still holds on
And I can still feel all of that love from here

A day at the park

Wee!!

Look at that wild hair! Sam and I have given up on trying to tame it.

Bumped her noggin :(