What's It Going to Take?

I came across this post online and thought it was extremely powerful. We say all the time "What's it going to take?... to get up early...to make that first step...to quit your job... but do we ever say... What's it going to take to be incredibly joyful?" We should live life as urgently to just be happy and love unconditionally as we do everything else.

I think it's worth a read. Enjoy.

What’s it going to take? From http://tinyurl.com/235zq25

We usually use that phrase in dire circumstances. What’s it going to take for you to wake up? What’s it going to take for me to quit? What’s it going to take for them to realize?

But life is an urgent circumstance, really, when you think about it.
Birth…miraculous. Survival…miraculous.
Death…inevitable. Suffering…optional. Life…urgent.

I wonder what my days would be like if I approached my happiness with more urgency and insistence (like I do deadlines and should-do’s.) I’ve GOT to meet my dancing quota! Come hell or high water, I WILL get a facial and lay in the sun! Wild horses couldn’t keep me from lunch with my girlfriends! Most important deadlines: to meander, to laugh until I snortle by noon every day, to see the first Robin bird of spring before the week is over.

So, in the spirit of urgent vitality, and not knowing when death may strike, and being acutely bored of my same old pattern of complaints, I’m asking myself, lovingly but firmly: LaPorte, what’s it going to take for you to be incredibly joyful? What’s it going to take for you to make an evolutionary leap as an artist, lover, mother, friend, human? What’s it going to take to get you to walk to the lake that’s four minutes from your house? What’s it going to take to get you on the dance floor? You want to eat life whole? To know God? To radiate pure love? What’s it going to take?

Now I want to cry. I think this exercise is backfiring. Because…I think it’s going to take everything I’ve got. Deep breath. Pause. I still want what I want. Softening.

And now I’m smiling. Because, hey! I’ve got so much to give.
I’ve…got what it takes. Most true desires come with capacity.

xo
Danielle

Pumpkin Picking

Yes...I am SO far behind in blogging. But the good news is the second trimester has been feeling great so hopefully more updates are in order!! Here are a few photos from picking pumpkins. After Nichole and I made paper-mache bones for decorations (unfortunately no photos) and Sean decorated the house (again...unfortunately no photos) we went to Schaeffer Farm in Germantown and picked ourselves some pumpkins. It was such a great time. My tiny pumpkin was my favorite. Apparently it was Jack's favorite too because he ate the entire thing when I brought it home! My favorite photo is Sean showing off his juggling skills. Yes honey...you are so talented!! Hope every had a great Halloween and is enjoying the fall season!

Baby DeFrehn

It is our greatest joy to let everyone finally know that Baby DeFrehn is indeed on the way. The past few months have been difficult to not jump for joy (and or hide the growing bump), but we are finally heading into the second trimester and are excited to announce to the world that Baby DeFrehn will be making its entrance in May. Thanks to everyone who has helped us get through the first few months and especially to my husband who has picked up the cooking, cleaning, dog walking and continuous "Hunny...look how big I am getting!" The next few months are guaranteed to be fun and we couldn't feel more blessed.

Brody...Our Surfer

When people heard we were getting a lab back in January, we were given an onslaught of warnings.

"He'll destroy your kitchen table!"

"Get ready to replace at least $1000 in stuff"

"He'll eat you out of house and home."

and most memorably... "He'll be a counter surfer."

Jack is now pushing 90 pounds and is 30 inches at the shoulder. He is a horse! His nose easily peers over the dining room table and he could easily reach over the counter.

Now when Sean called me the other day to tell me a dog had pulled a chicken off the counter I would have assumed it was the counter surfer...finally surfing, but NO!

It was this guy...

Our Brodster...the 15 pound, no more than 10 inches at the shoulder Cairn terrier!

While the chicken was a lost cause...Brody was more than proud of himself...and we might add we were kind of proud of him too.

The Nation's Tri!

Today Sean completed his first Triathlon for the Nation's Tri! He did great! This had been a plan since last October so it was exciting to see him Patrick and Brandon finish! It was a super rainy day (are we surprised?) but it was fun to see them finish! Congratulations guys!!

Meet Bordeaux Quaker DeFrehn AKA Brody

Sometimes in life you don't find the things you need... they find you.

Since Abby passed, we knew that the best way to honor her life was to open our hearts to another dog. As good as that sounded, we didn't think it would be possible. I told Sean pretty soon after Abby died that I never wanted to go find another dog and that it would have to just walk onto our porch. Well when I inquired about a 7 month old Cairn, never did I imagine that two hours later it would be on my doorstep and its foster mom wouldn't be taking it home. Brody is much more than we could have asked for. Of course he is not Abby, but he is a carefree, and cuddly puppy who needed us just as much as we needed him. Welcome to the family Brody!

Things are Growing!

So while I have been busy inside editing pictures and getting no sun at all... Sean has become a farmer. Yes...on our itty bitty little spot of Gaitherburg, Sean is creating a very unconventional farm. Ok, well maybe the farm part is a stretch...That is left up to Farmer Jeff (He farms from China), but Sean has made our yard look amazing and has had some veggies to show for it. These were our first peas of the season and went well with Trader Joes lemon pepper pasta, mushrooms and homemade alfredo sauce! Yum!!

Big Changes

So we mentioned that the past few weeks have included lots of changes. Some obvious and some not so obvious. Well what we didn't mention is that I got a new job! I will be headed to the National Fatherhood Initiative as of June 24th and I am extremely excited. Not only is this a switch into the non-profit sector, but it is only a few minutes from our house. This means no more frustrating long hours in the car!!!! Yipee!!! I am excited to devote my passion and energy to this organization. I looking forward to the time it will provide me for SweetBee and all of my other endeavors and MOST imporantly more porch sitting time with Sean and the pooch:) Wouldn't you want to spend more time with that sweet face above???

Looking Ahead...

The past week has been tough. There is lot's of transition going on in our house. We are adjusting back to life with one dog and missing our little white one terribly. We have gone from absorbing the shock of it all, to having to comprehend exactly what we are missing. We are so greatful for all the loving cards, emails and prayers. We are trying to focus on exactly how happy Abby made us. I am convinced, of all dogs, Abby would be most upset over how many tears we have had since she left. Sometimes that is the only thing that makes our tears stop.

Jack seems relatively normal although it's obvious he does not like being home alone by himself and he has a lot more energy. Abby was the BEST baby sitter. Luckily, Pico, the neighbor dog has come over to play lots and has given us a break in his continuous desire to play. Strangely, we find Jack managing to make himself smaller and literally fit into places Abby used to be...ie...behind our legs on the couch and cuddling on our pillows... yes...our pillows. We are adjusting...or rather being forced to adjust, but have faith that we are being taken care of as is Abby.

On a lighter note, we have some brighter things on the horizon. And we look forward to brighter days ahead...

Abby

Today is a sad day in our house. Yesterday, Abby passed away. After some porch sitting, she darted around our friend who was on the top step and ran into the street where she was hit by a car. It happened so fast. She died instantly. It is difficult to put this in words and even more difficult to believe. We ask for everyone's prayers and hope that tonight you will hold your own animals a little tighter...especially if they are tiny and white.

A Quarter Century

This weekend we celebrated my birthday with a big get-together. Of course...in DeFrehn tradition...it rained...cats and dogs. Sean had planned out a great weekend and while we couldn't use our yard or our pool, we enjoyed ourselves along side our family and friends. The days festivities included games!! Yes...games...at 25 what could be better than Minute-to-Win-It style games. It was entertaining to say the least. To top it all off, my Sean made me a CAMERA cake!!!! It was strawberry with buttercream icing and entirely from scratch. It was definitely a weekend to remember and left me with a new found appreciation for my family and friends and even more...my amazingly AWESOME husband.

A Life I Can Celebrate

It's been an hour into my birthday and it's already been fantastic. In fact, I find myself looking over age 24 and realizing it was just that...fantastic. This week, a good friend of mine lost her nephew suddenly...He was only 11 months old. He leaves behind two loving parents, a big brother and a family who loved him dearly. On Monday when I found out, I couldn't help, but think why? I think we all question this when something doesn't go as planned, but a baby who never got to celebrate one birthday?? I look at the past year and realize how blessed I was at age 24- A new house, an amazing marriage, a supportive family, great friends a life worth living and enjoying for every single minute. Many people loathe birthdays. The quote "Do not regret growing older, it is a privelage denied to many" has never stood out more. I am sure that the Stone family would give anything for just one birthday. So at 25, with age 24 a complete and total blessing, I am greatful for another birthday and a life I can celebrate.

Isaiah Lee Stone

May your family feel comforted, your spirit be free and your love surround them all.

Porch Sitting

I don't know how many times in the last week I have said...Can you believe there were feet of snow not too long ago?? In fact, we were cleaning up the yard this weekend getting ready to open the pool and I found our homemade measuring stick we had made during the storm to use for pictures. It was three feet tall!! We are sooo happy that warm days are upon us. I took this shot on Monday after work. The one thing I love about warm weather is the sunshine even when I get home late. I managed to sneak a few minutes sitting on the steps and uploading photos for clients, while the dogs enjoyed the porch. Oh warm weather...how we missed you!

It's Been Awhile...

So you may think that our lack of posts means we became frozen in time under the mountains of snow that came upon us in February. While yes there were mountains of snow, we have thawed and our blogging break is over. Sean and I have had so much going on since our last post!

Since Hunter's Christening and the posting of my photos from the event, I have had a HUGE response to my photography! Well one thing has led to another and I have been blessed with the amazing opportunity of starting a full-fledged photography business, SweetBee Photography!!

My weekends have been filled with shoots, and week nights with photo editing. I even had the amazing opportunity to shoot a wedding with my wedding photographer Abby Jiu in NYC which got picked up by a huge wedding blog! Sean and I feel so blessed that it has taken off like it has.

In other news, Jack has grown by leaps and bounds, Sean has redone our shower and we are back to enjoying our porch and our deck! I promise to not let this go for another few months, but in the mean time make sure to check out my site, photography blog and book me for all of your photography needs today;)

Site--> www.sweetbeephotography.com

Blog--> www.sweetbeephotography.blogspot.com

Hunter's Christening

Yesterday we had the extreme pleasure of becoming Godparent's to our beautiful niece Hunter Alexandra. The ceremony took place in New York City and was celebrated by both the DeFrehn's and McShane's. The church was absolutely stunning and the ceremony was very intimate. Hunter wore a family Christening gown which everyone was very excited to see her in. This was my first opportunity to take pictures of people and attempt to document a day for someone. Hopefully I captured some moments she will appreciate when she is older. Welcome to God's family Hunter Alexandra. We love you!

If you want to see more picture I took from the day...click here

Round Two!

A view of the sky before the second round!

This was our view out the window when we woke up.

Sean suited up to remove snow off the roof!

(He's my hero.)

Potato soup for dinner.

Snowmaggedon has struck again!! We can't believe it!! We have hunkered down as the winds have picked up! We are enjoying the extra time together. We could do without the shoveling, but it just gives us reasons to try out new recipes like the potato soup pictured above! We don't think this is weather is great for triathlon training (or our waste lines;), but it sure beats driving to work!!! Bring on the snow!!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Yep...another birthday. This time it was my Mom's. Because of the snow we were not able to really celebrate, but Sean and I managed to make it to Germantown to deliver homemade chocolate chip muffins! On top of that, we made her a placemat. This is something that my Mom did for my sister and I every year. It was a way of making our morning special before we went off to school. Hope your birthday was special Mom! We love you!

Happy Birthday Jeff!

When Sean and I moved to our new house, we were lucky to have new neighbors move in next door at the same time. Not only are they great neighbors, but they are great friends. Yesterday was Jeff's birthday so it was only appropriate to celebrate!! Kate made maple cheesecake! Yum! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF! Sorry this picture isn't darker for you, but we hope your year is fun and exciting!

SNOWMAGEDDON 2010

We are currently in the middle of SNOWMAGEDDON 2010. You seriously might think the world was ending here in DC...or you might just think we are in Antarctica. We have had 24+ inches of snow! It all began yesterday and continued until this afternoon. It fell as fast as 4 inches an hour. Sean and the dogs are surviving quite well- sore backs are certainly in order. Abby seems to be in her element even though we don't think it's really westie weather...she does! Jack romped around with Pico (the "neighbor dog") and Abby, but didn't like it as much. With the three of them together it looked like Shadow, Chance, and Sassy had made their way to Cedar Avenue (name that movie). Of course we are taking TONS of pictures. What a great week for a new camera and even ventured out to my Grandmother's house to document the day. We hope everyone is staying nice and warm and getting ready for a snowed in superbowl tomorrow!

It's here!!!!!!!!!!

No...not Snowmageddon 2010! The camera!! Smowmageddon 2010 will now be fully documented...as will our house, our animals, our families and every other detail of life. As Lauren put it "We have more spiffy camera's in this family than people to photograph." We think that's great!

Another Weekend Snowstorm

Our deck and backyard in the snow. The grill shows just how much we had!

After Jack's 1st venture out in the snow. How can you resist that little face??

This winter has been a cold one for the DC area. This weekend brought yet ANOTHER snowstorm. Though we were forecasted to get one to three inches, we ended up with more like six. We love our house in the snow and it's always fun to watch the dogs romp around. Abby did most of the romping and Jack did much of the watching. For such a big dog (at least bigger than Abby) he wasn't much for venturing out. He did make a good picture however!

Jack and a New Camera!

Jack is growing like a weed. Though we still call him a cow...he won't go downstairs...he is quite a tall and thin little doggie. and easily towers over Abby. He has now met the next door neighbors dog, Pico and has started going out back by himself. Such a good little big dog!

It has been EXTREMELY cold this week and makes us look forward to warm summer days by the pool. Our most exciting news---> We bought a new camera for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO exciting. I have been extremely fortunate that Jeff and Kate allowed me to use their camera to let me figure out what I wanted. You can thank them for the pictures on this website. Now I have a beautiful camera headed my way:) Thanks Kate and Jeff. You can be certain pictures will follow as soon as it arrives!!

"Honey I'm home..."

It is a rare occassion that I am home before Sean. Even with his coaching, my commute puts me home second. The good part is that I get all the excitment from the dogs. We took the pictures to share in some of that excitment and I was even able to beat him home for once!!!

Happy Birthday Robin!

We turn not older with years, but newer every day.- Emily Dickinson

Today we celebrated Robin's birthday with her. Banana walnut bread to start...caramel spice cake to finish!! We hope this year is amazing for you Robin!!

And off we grow!

It's been two inches since we checked in. Yes...two inches...Jack is growing!! He has officially surpassed Abby in height. As Jack grows...Sean and I are taking it slow and relishing in that there is a time limit when going out with a puppy at home. This weekend, Brilynne was in town and we had lots of time hanging around with the puppy. How appropriate that we would make Puppy Chow!! In honor of the dog, I have included the recipe below. YUM!

Recipe
9 cups Chex Cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar


1. In large bowl measure cereal and set aside in large bowl.

2. In microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and buttered covered on high. (A pyrex bowl works best.) Stir. Microwave 30 seconds longer or until mixture is smoothe. Stir in vanilla.

3. Pour mixture over cereal and stir with spatula. When chocolate is coated evenly, pour powdered sugar over and stir.

4. When coated, put spread on foil covered baking sheet and allow to cool.

5. Place in refridgerator in sealed container to stir. (I personally like to at it chilled.)

6. Enjoy!!

For Lauren, Brandon, Hunter and the McShanes!

HOOK 'EM HORNS!!

Life with Two Dogs

This week we have been adjusting to life with two dogs and so far we are surviving quite well! We are getting into a routine of things, walking, feeding, playing, working and sleeping. Jack is enjoying "working" with Abby in Sean's office. Together they tag team their boss. Jack takes Sean's feet and Abby takes the second chair. Considering it's his first job he is doing quite well. Although it has only been 4 days, it seems like he is already SO much bigger and it seems weird to imagine that a week ago he wasn't here. Though many may think differently, Sean and I agree that Abby seems much happier with someone around to play with. In fact, Abby is a GREAT big sister. She is getting used to his annoying habits, copy cat behavior and disruption of her beauty rest. Sean and I have slept quite well this week thanks to Abby's sisterly talents. The first few nights Jack would whine when we put him in his crate. Immediately, Abby was by his side giving a bark or two. With that he was quiet, and everyone went to bed. This has played out every night which we find quite entertaining. We are also extremely thankful for this talent she seems to have. I myself, am enjoying the unexpected rest as well, as the new photo opps...the ones that are continuing to happen as I type and have two dogs cuddled around me.

Introducing Jack!!!

We are proud to introduce the newest member of our little family...Jack Daniel DeFrehn!! After an adventure through quite a few mountains and a whole lot of snow, we picked our adorable puppy from a shelter in rural West Virginia. In just a day he has been in two states, walked through his first snow fall, taken his first real (long) car ride, met 4 new family members and played with his new dog sister. He is currently sitting on his Daddy's lap, his VERY happy daddy's lap. In fact, both dogs are cuddled up on each side of Sean. 2010 is already feeling very special. Welcome to the family Jack!

Shhhh....

We aren't sleeping because we are too excited!

Can you guess what's about to happen?