July 16th...A Very Special Day

July 16th holds a very very special place in myheart and always will.  It was on this day, 7 years ago, that I married my best friend.  He has given me 2 very special gifts, Big C and Big Girl C. It's hard to believe that 7 years can go by so quickly, but when you are as happy and as in love as I am with this incredible man I guess that's what happens!

Also on this day....I won't diclose how many years ago... my dad was born.  I'm lucky to have such a wonderful man to call dad.  I love to watch him interact with his grandkids and to see the love my children's eyes when they look at him.

Keep rocking out Dad...you deserve it!

Also on this day...3 years ago....our sweet nephew Oliver was born. He has such a zest for life and a huge heart...we love this little man so much!

What a special day today is....we are so lucky!

Where Can You Find Me?

So...I have a new addiction.......

Oh geez...Pinterest...    If you don't know what Pinterest is, think about it as a digital scrapbook.  Instead of bookmarking an idea or time that you find on the internet, you can "pin" it to a digital bulletin board on the internet.  You can have as many "bulletin boards" as you want and add, add, add ideas, images to them.  I have multiple bulletin boards, anything from classroom ideas....to party ideas...to decorating ideas....to things I wish I could afford.   You can follow me on Pinteres here. 

What have you been pinning?

What'cha Been Up To?

With school being out for the summer....WOOHOO!!...what have we been doing with all of our time?  Well, we'll show you!


I've been busy crafting of course.  I've finally had the time to make some pillow case dresses that I love! I made 2 for my best friend's baby...due in October.  Here is a picture of one dress, with matching strawberry hat.

Big C finished his first season of TBall.  We are so proud of him!  He ended the season progressing from hitting off of a T to being able to hit off of a pitcher and learned how to slide into home!  Big C also earned his first ever trophy!

 More important than anything, Big C (#2 in the picture) learned out to be part of a team.  We could have asked for a better TBall coach.  His coach was so patient and wonderful with all 9 of the 4 year olds...a true saint this one!

While we made news, we definitely have been making time for our old friends.  We love spending time with family and friends whenever we can. 

 Big Girl C has been making her fair share of friends as well. She tends to like the strong, slient type.

Big Girl C met her friend when we took family time at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati for a Reds game.

Big Girl C has fell in love with everything princess, including calling herself princess.  I may have had a little help in that matter...

We have been spending A LOT of time in the pool at Grammy and Papa's house. Big C is so big that he can walk all over the pool and jump in all by himself!  Big Girl C would prefer to be under the water at all times...gotta keep your eye on her! No swimming would be complete without a popsicle break!

We also celebrated our countries Independence on July 4th. Sadly, we did not have fireworks due to no rain....

We've been celebrating Daddy's new job!  Curt accepted a position as a Junior/ Senior High school Principal.  We will be working and teaching in the same school corporation and couldn't be more thrilled.  Our family attended the the board meeting to approve him.  We couldn't be more proud of him!  WE are all excited to be Spartans!!!!

Whew....our summer is only half over....bring on more summer fun!!

Happy Mother's Day!

This Mother's Day, as I was showered with love and gifts from Big C and Big Girl C, I came to the realization that I love to create memories with them even more.  This year, part of my gift was spending time creating our family tree through handprints.  Even though I have said this before, this has been the BEST Mother's Day ever!

2nd Birthday LONG Over Due

Yes, this post is LONG OVER DUE, and yes, even now as I write it, it is very hard for me to realize that my sweet baby girl is 2 years old...well, 2 years and almost 4 months now...but who's counting?   Baby C....or, I guess she should be called Big Girl C...BGC?.... turned 2. However, she thought that 2 yrs old = 16 years old!  Boy have we got an awakening!  

    

Big Girl C had a Candy Land themed birthday party. I was determined to go all out, but with in budget.  I'm happy to say I DID IT!!  All of her decorations and food were created by me and her father with love...a little sweat and tears, but mostly love!

Of course, the princess had to have a candy/cake table...

 













With frosty kid friendly beverages...big kid beverages outside....  

 Her cake was covered in candy galore with the inside a collage of colors to stay themed...

  Her birthday marked her 2nd year of life and the confirmation again that without her, our lives would not be complete. 

Dear Lacey,

     Oh girl... you are giving your father, brother, and I a run for our money!  You are our wildly stubborn girl who knows what she wants and likes and makes sure that you get it.  You never want your hair to be styled and as soon as I do, you rip it out!  You insist on choosing your clothes and if you don't get your way, nothing gets accomplished!  Lacey, you are the brightest 2 year old I have ever met!  You can count to 15 all on your own, sing numerous songs, identify multiple letters, speak in complete phrases, sentences, and paragraphs, jump, run, skip, climb....however, it all has to be on your own terms.  I love that you are strong minded and curious about everything. I love that you command presence just by being you. I will never get over watching you turn on your charm for innocent bystanders...usually your father and brother.  You have them so wrapped around your little finger that you make a sound, and they come running to check on you! Your giggle and laughter is the sound of angles singing and when you decide to give hugs and kisses its like floating in heaven.  Lacey, I love that you challenge me as a mother every day with patience and creativeness.  I'm so very proud you in everything that you do.  You continue to amaze me every day with something new that you have learned and showed me.  Thank you for simpley being you and loving me. 

I love you Lulu...my wild girl,
   Love,

Mommy

Happy 4th Birthday Big C!

Four years ago today, God blessed me with the most perfect little boy ever created.  Today has been one of those bittersweet days...sweet for being blessed with 4 years of a healthy and usually happy Big C, but bitter with how fast the past four years have gone! I mean, I just blinked my eyes  and this little miracle turned from this...

  to a smiley toddler...

then to a smart, articulate, creative, brave, hilarious, and handsome four year old.

Dear Clayton,
    You are my absolute joy.  You have taught me how to be completely selfless and to appreciate not only the big monumental moments of life, but even the small moments that usually get overlooked.  Clayton, you may think that the only person learning in our mother/ son relationship is you; however, you continue to teach me not only how to me a mom, but a better person.  You wear your heart on your sleeve and speak your four year old mind.  I'm learning that even though every time your heart gets a "boo boo" as hard as it is for me, I need to allow you to fix it yourself.  Yes, you have your stubborn moments as well, when you believe you are in the complete right...don't know where you got this from! Your are beginning to 'test the waters' even more as grow, but usually you reserve that for your father and I.  I'm excited to see what the coming year has in store for you and to continue on your journey of learning and growing, just please don't grow up too fast!  You deserve to be a kid, free to try things out and make mistakes, for as long as you can!  Clayton, I'm so very proud of you and will love you forever and always.

Happy 4th Birthday Sweetheart!

Love,
   Your Mommy

Happy Holidays!

May you and your loved ones have a blessed Holiday season!

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