Livin

This month has been a rough one to be short. 

Especially the 23rd. We thought we were preparing to have another little life join our family but it was taken before we had a chance to truly understand what was happening. I've been left in a state of confusion and pain. I am truly blessed by loving family. But the loneliness of it all consumes me at times. This little quote brightened my day and reminded me that sometimes even though our trials suck us dry of ambition or energy, happiness and optimism builds us. So for now I truly felt challenged to put the smile on through the pain and look to the future ahead. Even if it feels like a fake face on me at times, this little family of mine needs building. 

And with that energy of happiness I decided to win that inner battle and throw away these painful reminders that this year would be another baby year. 

It felt so huge.

Like a burden had been lifted.

I still sleep with a literally heavy heart and my breathing seems so burdensome still like someone stepping on my chest continually but...

for now we will keep praying for baby. 

And concentrate on all the little things that truly make our lives great!

Birthday Daddy

We hosted my Dad's Birthday Celebration this year. 67!
I am reminded constantly of all the blessings of being close to home and family and sharing in little moments and milestones and BIG ONES!
Each year is a BIG ONE NOW!
Love you DAD!

Here is to 67 more!

Little Learner

This girl couldn't be more in love with school! 

And all that comes with it!

Homework, Art, Music, Reading Counting it is all the best and makes her burst with joy. 

Especially the special days in between...

100th Day of School

Wacky Day

Career Day

Veterinarian Bella

She loves creating things for school for projects or for her teachers or friends. 

I hope her love for school and learning lasts forever!

Growing

Little by little this little girl is growing up and recently she started sleeping in the toddler version of her crib. 

Although not very well...

It is a transition for sure.

And lots of nightly walks taking her to bed and sitting outside her door while she cries and finding her like this. 

But it beats hearing her crash from the fall of escaping the crib and ending in tears moments later. 

Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!

From School and Church Parties

From LOVIN WAFFLES for Dinner

From Valentine Bingo for Dessert

From Watchin' Princess and the Bride

From Daddy had to work late but my other Valentines totally made up for it!

Piper Turns Two

Once again the days of terrible twos are ahead of us. EEEK!

We celebrated early this year so that Valentine's Day didn't cramp your style, and we celebrated with your favorite... 

PUPPIES! 

 You were so into cake and presents this year that you cried when Mom tried to pose you for pictures because you just couldn’t wait! 

We decorated the house with puppies everywhere for you to find which you LOVED! 

It was a day of play and puppies and presents and cake and I think your favorite part was helping Daddy put together your new “ride” as you call it. 

Even though this year you were anti camera which isn't unusual for you as of late, you are the sweetest and you get far too many kisses and snuggles because we love you so much and can simply not resist! 

This year I have loved watching you become a true playmate with your siblings, mimic and talk and express yourself in the most hilarious ways, and you haven’t lost your stranger danger stare. It is so amazing to see you, become you! And I can’t wait to see what the next year brings you! 

Hopefully potty training and a love for baths!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY PIPER!

Groundhog Day

We celebrated Groundhog Day with our traditional Groundhog Day cake kudos to my Mom's talented baking skills. And I found a game and craft to do with the kids. And my brother Joseph was the best sport to play on!