Faces on the Window

For some reason our large window in our Dining area gets a lot of condensation on it in the morning. Andalyn LOVES to "draw" on the window when she sees it there. Here is my sweet girl and her masterpiece this morning.



My baby girl is so creative...I love that she has such a great imagination!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

It was my Mom's birthday this past Monday! I always love reasons to celebrate and this was extra special because it was to celebrate my Mom. My Mother is someone I know I could not live with out. Without her I would not be the woman I am today, let alone the Mother I am today. My mother is so special and words cannot express how thankful I am to her and for her. She has always been there for me. In the last 3 years alone, I can recall many times her being there when I needed her most. Being a first-time mother isn't easy and I know that Dave and I couldn't have gotten through those first couple months of Andalyn being born without her. There was also a time that she took my sweet little new born Ryan for a week straight because, long-story short, I was flat on my back and couldn't get out of bed to take care of my children. There are countless times that I have needed my Mom and she has been there; no questions asked. It gives me great comfort to know I have her as my Mom!

To know my Mother is to love my Mother. She has a very infectious laugh and an even more infectious sense of humor. She is hilarious! My mom may be getting "older," but she is just one of the kids and loves it! It was great growing up and having all of my friends LOVE my mom, along with my brothers and sisters friends too. We have a very "cool" mom. :)

Mom, I love you so much...words cannot express how special you are to me! I hope you had a great birthday!

Something for Mothers to think about...

"A mother has far greater influence on her children than anyone else, and she must realize that every word she speaks, every act, every response, her attitude, even her appearance and manner of dress affect the lives of her children and the whole family. It is while the child is in the home that gains from his mother the attitudes, hopes, and beliefs that will determine the kind of life he will live and the contribution he will make to society." -N. Eldon Tanner

This quote is something I have been pondering for a while now and just wanted to share.

I'm ok with 29!

So today is my birthday. I'm entering my last year of my 20's. I've been thinking about it and have gone back and forth about if I'm happy about that or not. I have come to the conclusion that I am ok with it. I feel like I have grown a lot as a person this last year. I think I have had more trials this year than any other, however it has made me grow up and mature a little more. I feel like I am becoming an adult. I know that sounds funny....but for the longest time I haven't felt older than like 19. Well....I'm feeling the change. And I am digg'n it. I feel like I actually have a hold on a few things these days. I don't feel so out of control. I have learned that things felt out of control because I didn't take control. I'm taking it. I think one of the biggest things that will change this year is my weight. I have decided that I will have the body I NEVER had by the time I am 30. Dave and I started weight watchers in September. I have successfully lost 16 pounds and have kept it off. Much different than any other attempt at it. I know I will get the rest of my weight off and it will feel so good! I am going to ROCK 30!

In addition to the trials of last year I also was made more aware of the many blessings in my life. I have an awesome husband that loves me and puts his needs aside to make sure mine and the kids are met. I have two wonderful kids that take my breath away everyday! I have great parents, in-laws and brothers, sisters and a sweet little niece! I am so lucky to have the family that I have! For these blessings and many more I am so thankful. So here's to 29....may it be the best year yet!

Thank you to all of you who have wished me a happy birthday! You have really made my day!

Ryan's Birthday Party Elmo Style!

On Saturday we had a party for Ryan to celebrate him turning one. He absolutely loved it! Between getting to eat tissue paper from unwrapping his presents and eating his weight in cake and icing he was in seventh heaven!
Thank you to everyone that came and showed him some love!

Here we are singing Happy Birthday to him...He loved it, he clapped for himself. It was so cute! Notice the nice clean boy...

"Oh, mom this is just the beginning!"

"Oh yeah....that is some good cake."

He really enjoyed licking his fingers. I love this picture!

Here is a very happy boy who enjoyed his cake!

Until next year little guy! We love you and Happy Birthday!