Treasured Rides

Some of the most treasured conversations I've had came from a car ride with my family. We use this time to get caught up on our dreams, feelings and secrets. We study for tests, practice our times tables and learn about opposites and rhyming. In the car, I've shared my love for show tunes and introduced them to favorite childhood stories. We've laughed, sang, cried and shared. From games to books on tape, family meetings to history lessons, we've used the many hours we spend in the car as an extra bonus family time. Frequently we play the "count your blessings" game. Today, I can only think of this one...

So you can see....what I see

I still can't get over this blue eyed beauty. There are times during the day that I look at her and think...who are you? Then I think to myself...I wish everyone could see this child right now! So today, I took a snap shot of this little joy eating her sweet potatoes. Just so you could see what I see every day.

Graduation and New Beginnings

Now that Noah has graduated from preschool and Sophie won't be going anytime soon...I am truly a Stay-at-home mom. I love being home with my kids. Staying at home allows me to spend precious moments with them, moments that may have been missed if I wasn't here. However, it also means that we live off of 1 income. So many times people say to me "We could never afford it!". The reality of staying at home for us meant making drastic lifestyle changes. We couldn't have afforded it either if we hadn't. I choose to stay at home, giving up the extra income that would allow us to live life a little more freely. Most days, I love being a Stay-at-home mom. Other days, when I think nothing looks good on me, I have no time to exercise, laundry multiplies by the hour, the kids are fighting, the baby is crying, I forgot how to cook, the thought of a dust rag makes me feel nauseous and school didn't start until 3pm, I temporarily change my title to Stuck-at-home mom. This pity party quickly changes when the fighting stops and I see my oldest reading a book to his brother and I think to myself...I taught him how to read! I feel a little less ugly when my 5 year old runs through the house and stops to say "By the way Mommy, I like your shirt!". I start to feel warm and fuzzy inside when I go to check on the baby and her head pops up from her pillow, she starts to kick and squeal and reaches out her arms for me. One after another, moments I share with my children, that may have been missed if I wasn't here. I think to myself...what a blessing it is to be stuck-at-home with them!

Yes, he's mine

Today I pass down my title to Noah. He is officially the king of "ruining pictures" using his creative faces. However, I'm changing the title for him. He is the king of "making me smile". Others may think the pictures are ruined but I think they're perfect. Here are a few cropped samples of this wild thing in action! I only noticed he was making faces when I uploaded the pictures today. What a nice surprise from a wonderful weekend!

Almost 5!

Noah is a very smart and interesting little guy. He doesn't let people in very easily but when he does you're in LOVE. He's got a heart of gold and loves to learn. He's the best side kick, crafty to the core and a loyal friend. I feel sorry for those that don't take the time to get to know him. He has the potential to be anything he wants to be and might be one of those people that impacts your life in a big way. I'm excited for him to round the corner and become an official BIG boy. Noah turns 5 on the 31st of March! I know there are still a few weeks left until his birthday but Mommy over here is getting sentimental. Now take a look at his pretty chocolate eyes! They will melt your heart!
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Baby Dolls

1. This is why I can't leave Sophie alone with the boys!
2. This is why she can't ever get a good nap.

2010

WOW. It's been almost 1 year since my last post. Here's an update from 2009 to get you caught up......
WE HAD A BABY!

Yes, you read that right. We had a baby. I found out in Feb. 09' and stopped blogging in March when the sickness settled in. Sophia Bella was born October 3rd, one day after her Daddy turned 30. It's been awhile since my last blog but trust me, it was worth the wait. I'm back and better than ever. My family is complete and we wanted to share the great news with everyone. I leave you with a picture of our new little doll. Enjoy!