Its Christmas. I LOVE Christmas.

Its December. One year.

............................

This year we will create new memories.

....................................

I will appreciate the gifts I have in my life.

I will find peace.

I will smile.laugh.be present.

It will be Joyful.

Making sugar cookies.

Sporting my festive holiday apron.

Pictures with Santa.

Mom's annual Wreath Making Party.

My wreath was pretty sought after this year.

The "regulars"

Sweet Baby Liam dancing with his mommy to the Christmas tunes.

I am completely in love with all of these little people. I am thankful I get to be their mommy and auntie. Without each one of them our family would be incomplete. I have so much to be thankful for.

One Week

No kids. No schedule. A glimpse at the days before kids.

Sun. Beach. Sand

Buckets of beer.....Lots of beer.

Dinners. Late quiet dinners. Conversation. Good wine.

Dancing. Carefree dancing.

Cabo. You made us happy.

A look at the past few weeks through pics. Isn't that the best way to do it anyway??

Halloween came and WENT - thank god.

You may remember that I am not the most enthusiastic person when it come to Halloween (but I swear I am trying). We did 4 different parties and I enjoyed each one of them. Even though the amount of candy kids eat during this holiday is disgusting and makes mothers c.r.a.z.y!

Kids on crack aka sugar....

We had a small family party for Lilah's 4th.
Love you baby!

Paul making fun of my homemade cake.

Lopsided...perhaps...cracked...perhaps...falls apart when cutting....yep

but sure tasted yummy!!

G appreciating Lilah's new chair!

Oh, and we've all been sick through it all. There has been days off from school and work, snotty noses, grumpy girls (and boy), and lazy jammy days watching movie after movie......

and....

hours of computer time simply because

no one has the energy to do much else.

I wish

I hope

I dream

For nothing but good things for my Lilah.

Today we had a mommy daughter date. For whatever reason it felt different.

She seems so grown up.

We had real conversations.

We shopped. We dined. We did our nails.

It was perfect.

I found myself teary eyed at dinner. I sat there smiling at her as she rambled on and on about anything and everything. My heart was happy. I am proud of the little person I am raising. She amazes me. I so badly want her to know how incredible I find her.

I love you Lilah May.

Its that time of year..............pumpkin patch time.

When parents pull out their camera's and make their kiddos do "best smile" for the camera. Its good fun for everyone.

But, I think I'm learning to love the after potlucks better. You just never know what to expect from a group of 30 somethings!

I thought I took way more pictures. Turns out I was too busy handing out Skittles to my following ;) Next year I'm getting a group shot.

Proud Mommy moment!!
G is officially done with pull Up's/diapers (except at night).
She has gone 7 days with no diapers - including naps - with NO accidents.
I take no credit for her potty training. She did it herself. She decided she didn't like diapers and we went with it. Now, not even 1 month after her 2nd birthday and she's in big girl undies. Happy Birthday to us :)

Lilah starts preschool

Lilah started preschool today. She was super duper excited! She was so happy to go to school like a "big girl". Her Dad and I were very proud of how great she did. She found her name, hung up her back pack, and waited patiently for her teacher to open the door. She walked right in smiling. I stood there....teary eyed....proud.......Ahhh, this growing up thing is hard.

G Money's Birthday

And just like that 2 years passed in a blink of an eye. Just like that our baby days are over.

G turns 2!

G, you live up to your nickname. You truly are 'Money'. You make me smile. YOU make me laugh - out loud - a lot.
I feel blessed each day that you are mine.
Happy Birthday lovie.

Labor Day

Labor Day weekend we packed up and headed to Ocean Shores with Chris, Tynia, Gracie and Will. The weather was b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. We played hard all day at the beach, ate great meals, laughed and drank refreshing beverages. We relaxed. It felt like a vacation. I really want to do this trip every year. Even better would be to have more family and friends to join us. Any takers??

South Bend

Over 4th of July weekend we hit up South Bend with Grammy and Papa Randy. We stayed at a great house on the river and took plenty of day trips to Long Beach and the Oregon Coast. It was the girls first trip to the ocean and they loved it. Obviously prompting our latest trip over labor day.

Wishing you a Big ole Happy Dad's Day!!

We hosted a Father's Day BBQ at our place. It was nice to get everyone together. As usual the kids ran wild, we ate good food, drank yummy wine, and caught up on each others lives. It was nice. I am tired. I feel fortune to have some pretty awesome guys in my life. Happy Father's day to all the daddy's out there!