christmas eve at my mom's

We all gathered at my mom's on the morning of Christmas Eve to open presents. Sadly, I took no pictures of any of is in action, but ended up with all these cute ones of the kids. I don't even remember taking them. I think Jim may have snagged a few.

So maybe we had some pizza for brunch. Not your typical Christmas Eve meal, but M liked it.

 More had a new headband in her stocking. It went right on her head.

 Seriously. Who took these pictures? I just love her sweet face.

 M posing in front of the tree.

We were at my mom's for 4 days over the holidays. I loved that these girls got to spend so much time together. They've turned out to be really good friends and play so well together.

 After presents and lunch we packed up and headed home, but not before they got in some goodbye hugs.

It's constant motion when these three are together. It's the best!

We had a great visit with my mom, Jim, my brother and his family, and some of my friends while in town. And the weather was perfect. I missed the annual holiday visit at my Aunt's house this year. I just wish there was more time to fit everything in. I was a little sad, but it's fun to create new holiday memories and traditions with my own little family.

love day

It's Valentine's Day! Let me tell you about my special loves.

This girl. The one that changed my life forever. I never knew my heart could love so much.

She's so smart and funny, sensitive and sweet. She kisses me at least three times before she gets on the bus each morning. 

She's stubborn and hard headed just like me. But she also has the most caring heart.

 She loves to color and read books with her daddy. And she always laughs at this silly jokes.

Then there's this one. She had my heart from the moment I laid eyes on her. 

 She's such a ham. Always dancing and singing. She marches to the beat of her own drum.

She's so soft spoken and loud at the same time. But she always knows when to hug and snuggle me right when I need it.

The love I have for them can not be measured.

These two are best friends. They might not always show it, but deep down they love each other so much.

Sometimes they fight. Sometimes they fight a lot. But the smiles and the giggles, the kisses and the hugs make up for all of that.

I love when they sleep together. I find them curled up next to each other holding hands in their sleep. I love watching their relationship and love for one another grow each day.

We can't forget about this guy. I wouldn't make it through without him. He's always there for me, good times and bad. And he puts up with all my crap. 

He's the best daddy in the world. He would do anything for these girls. He doesn't go a day without playing Barbies or mermaids. And he does bathtime every night so I don't have to.

He makes me laugh every day. I hope he knows I love him with my whole heart.

This family of mine. They are everything to me.

They keep me going on days when it's hard.

We laugh. We smile. We cry. Then we do it all over again.

We make new memories every day. 

I mean, really? How did I get so lucky.

I thank God every day for this. All of this.



*pictures taken by Taryn, November 2013 at Alpine Groves Park. Check Taryn out here or here.

100 years old

Man they grow up fast. Addison dressed up as a 100 year old for the 100th day of school. We went on a mission Saturday night for the perfect outfit. We hit the party store first and only found the glasses and the necklaces. My next stop was Walmart, but we detoured and went straight to Goodwill. Oh, I love Goodwill. I scored this dress, sweater and scarf.

Every 100 year old needs a cane and rolled down socks.

I sent her off to school on the bus. She was so nervous and shy about people seeing her. I told her not to worry about that stuff and just have fun.

This morning was her awards ceremony for the second nine weeks. She received awards for Perfect Attendance, Citizenship, E Honor Roll and Working Above Standards. Oh, and don't forget the PDQ gift card for a free kids meal. That was her favorite. I'm so proud of this sweet girl.

For the record, I got a ton of Easter knick knacks at Goodwill. The hubby was thrilled. (He hates that stuff.) And all for 20 bucks.