My Little Girl Turns Two

I never knew that a little girl could bring a family so so much joy. I just love being with my little Carley. We have so much fun and I so enjoy watching her grow. I appreciate being able to spend so much time with her. Even with a four year old, having another child master the same little things just never gets old. With two children we don't compare the two we just really appreciate their unique qualities. Children are just so lovable. It will never get old listening to Carley sing no matter where we are or what time of the morning it is. With each child you love them and give them the individual respect and love they deserve.

As Carley turns two today I think back to all the little moments that have been special to me. The first being when she was born and when she and Ethan met for the first time. Intoducing her to all of our family and friends and the little things like Ethan rolling her around on the floor at four months. I think back to her crawling for 3 and a half months (it really did feel like forever and soon learning to walk. I think about her firt real trip to Pittsburgh for Sarah's graduation when she was only 5 months and all the trips we took to the zoo. And the water, how she just has always loved the water. And last night, her first somersault! Her first real somersault. I was just so excited!

The three of us singing happy birthday today will be how we celebrate her birthday. We don't have any big plans. We will get together with family this weekend. The party will be with her mom and dad and big brother. I have ordered a cute little heart charm with her name engraved on it along with a little girl on it to add to her first year charm ( a birthday cake with one candle). Each year I hope to pick a charm and complete a bracelet so one day hopefully she will appreciate the gift from me. Carley, you are my gift.

Happy Birthday Carley Ann!

The Path is Always There

In each of us there exists a lake, where peace lives, and strength is born. Begin each day with a drink from its waters and go there often to refill your cup. The lake is never dry, but the path to it is sometimes hidden. The music of water, the beauty of a flower, or the depth of prayer will show you the way. -Author Unknown


I wanted to pass this on to you my loved ones. Thank you Kris and your mom for sharing this.

The Joy of Christmas Morning

Carley Ann woke up first and she marched into Ethan's bedroom saying "Santa". Ethan sat straight up in bed barely awake. I had to get a quick photo because it was so cute. They took off to the Christmas tree as Ethan spotted their stockings overflowing with candy necklaces, hockey pucks, ornaments and lots of other cute little stocking stuffers. Carley had to put all the necklaces on right away. They both were so excited and it didn't take long for Carley to figure out what to do. Ethan's gift were wrapped with Spider man paper and Carley had the cute little Care Bear's. That made it so easy for them. They loved it! Ethan loved his new tool belt complete with tools, rod hockey game and giant dinosaur floor puzzle. Carley loved her pretty cradle, musical tea set and especially her little stuffed kitty. "Meow" is now her single favorite word! What a beautiful morning it was. It was still dark outside. The music was playing. I kept thinking of when I was little girl...

Thank you Aunt Margaret and Uncle Jeff for coming up to spend Christmas eve with all of us. It was very special with all the kids especially being baby Ben's first. Let's hope for some ice next year so we can take the kids out skating. Do you think you can still ice skate Jeff?

Feeling Mushy...

What a miracle of fate that we could live our lives at the same time on earth. Through the maze of a million faces and all the many paths our lives have taken us through the years, we managed to find each other along the way. We understand each other's thoughts, and share the same passion and glory of this lifetime. We are friends, we are soul mates. How incredible God's plan. -Author Unknown

I just think this is so beautiful.

Love to Care

We have spent the entire week lounging around drinking sprite and eating jello and pretzels. All four of us here have been pretty sick. I fell asleep while we were watching A Mickey Mouse Christmas on TV tonight. The kids just love to snuggle and this week especially not feeling well they just couldn't get enough of mom and I have been loving all the attention. And when they are sick they need those extra big kisses. I just love being there for them. It really is a wonderful part of being a mom and I think that's why I love being a nurse so much. I really do love to care...

Ethan's First Train Ride

On Saturday Ethan went on his first train ride to Chicago. What made it even more special for him was that he got to spend the day with grandma. I don't think it would have really mattered where we went or how we got there since grandma is always the best of company. The trip was short and sweet. We spent the day shopping at Macy's, eating lunch and then making our way outside to look at the cute little window displays which this year was Mary Poppins. Even though Ethan had no clue what Mary Poppins is, he was enjoying them. Before we knew it we were back on the train heading home. It was a very nice and relaxing trip and Ethan did awesome. The pictures turned out so cute and I can't wait to share them.

Thank you Mom, this will be a sweet Christmas memory for Ethan and I am glad you were a part of it. Love Always...

Lull your little one...

"Away In a Manger"

Away in a manger,
No crib for a bed,
The Little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head.

The stars in the sky
Looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus,
Asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing,
The baby awakes,
But little lord Jesus,
No crying He makes.

I love the, Lord Jesus,
Look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle
Till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever
And love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there.

Author Unknown

My favorite sone at Christmas that brings tears to my eyes. Simply poetry at its best.
Lull your little one tonight and Enjoy...