Happy 7th Birthday to my oldest baby girl!

I think I am finally back in business and have the new computer up and running. I even found some new programs on here that I can't wait to experiment with (including the newest version of photo shop!!)
The last week of September we celebrated Kendall's 7th birthday at our house with a cook out and then a bomb fire that night. It was an absolutely beautiful day with family and friends and we all had so much fun - especially Kendall. Here are a few of my favorite pics from her birthday.




Kendall's birthday was the second time that the family has gotten together since my brother left for marine boot camp and his presence was definitely missed! We did take some pictures to send to him with all the kids and my mom and dad in their new USMC sweatshirts though.




It seems like only yesterday Brian & I were anxiously awaiting the birth of Kendall. I don't think that anything can prepare you for the birth of your first child because you simply have not known that kind of love for anything before.
Kendall's was not an easy delivery. I was induced because I was past due, but when my labor did start it was very fast and furious!! Too fast for me to even get an epidural. Never in my life had I been in so much pain and never in my life had fear and worry consumed my heart so violently. After her delivery she came out totally blue and limp. Luckily for me I had a wonderful group of nurses that resuscitated her and after a rough start she came around and started breathing and crying.
And I sobbed with relief that the birth was over . . . and then I sobbed even louder when I realized that Kendall and I were both fine. It was not at all a fun experience . . . not at all the type of birth that was talked about in our birthing class! It was truly a terrifying time for all and Brian jokes that he still has nightmares about Kendall's birth! In fact, I can remember telling him moments after she was born that Kendall would be an only child - because there was NO WAY I was doing that again.
But then they placed my sweet baby in my arms and I instantly felt such an overwhelming feeling of love wash over me. And at that very moment all the pain and worry was absolutely worth it when I looked at her sweet face. At that very moment, I became a mother. And it didn't take me very long to completely forget about the pain . . . and want another baby!
I always refer to Kendall as "my oldest baby" because even though she is seven she is still my baby. And she got to be my first baby, which means that with her I get to experience all my first as a parent with her. This parenting thing is an on going learning experience. I have learned so much from her. She is such a sweet kid. She is so smart and has a memory that doesn't forget anything! She is very kind-hearted and is very in tune with me. Kendall always knows if I am sad or upset or worried about something and does not like me to be sad at all. I love her with all of my heart and soul! Happy birthday baby girl! We love you so much.

MIA

Sorry I have been MIA for the last 3 weeks. We were without our PC for a while and I was only able to use my slow laptop. So I just wanted to drop a note and let anyone whose still coming by to see if I ever update this thing that I am up and running again. We have a new computer now so as soon as I get my picture software installed I promise to start updating again (whats a blog without some pics?)

Nine Years

Its hard to believe that its been nine years since I said "I do". In some ways it seems like just yesterday, in others it seems so long ago. So much has happened in these nine years, most of it wonderful, with a few bumps in the road along the way. But our love for each other has seen us through it all and together we take the good with the bad and the easy with the hard. When I think back over my life I definitely tend to put my memories into different seasons. And as I reflect back over the seasons, I realize that many of them have come to an end. I am no longer a new wife. I am no longer a new, first-time mom. Sad as it may be to leave some of these seasons behind I am looking forward to the seasons to come and I couldn't imagine doing it without my husband by my side every step of the way.

My Husband-
The Father of My Children
The Stealer of My Heart
The Recipient of My Affections
The Keeper of My Joy
The Eater of My Cooking
The Hero of My Love Story
The Subject of My Daydreams
The Tickler of My Armpits
The Poker of My Ribs
The Balancer of My Craziness
The Manager of My Remote Control
The Love of My Life

Sept 11th

School Days!

Whew, What a busy couple of weeks with both the girls starting school!! So far so good though. Kendall looped forward with her teacher from Kindergarten, so I think that helped her adjust quickly to first grade. Going the whole day has her exhausted at night though. (Can I just add a big YEAH for early bedtimes!)




This week Ryleigh had her first day of preschool. It is always hard leaving them at school for the first time. She was so excited in the morning and on the way there, but as soon as I went to leave she started clinging to me. The teacher came and got her busy while I snuck (is that even a word??) out the door.



When I picked her up the teachers said that she did great after I left, and she was so excited to tell me about her day.

Happy Birthday Ryleigh!!

(If you have a daughter you must listen this song, it will bring tears to your eyes.)

Happy 4th birthday Ry bug!! The time has just flown by, and you are getting so big. But to daddy and mommy you will always be our little "buggy". May you always know how deeply you are loved. May you reach for the stars and celebrate each day. May you sing and dance and laugh and love. May you know that Daddy and I love you completely, totally, always and forever!
Happy 4th Birthday!!


As I take a stroll down memory lane I realize each picture represents such a sweet memory. And as I look through these pictures with tears in my eyes - I see the joy my girl has for life. Oh, how I love all 3 of my children - and I thank God for blessing my life with each of them.

"Four is huge"

At least that's what Ryleigh said on Sunday whenever anyone asked her how it feels to be four years old. I think she's right, four is such a "huge" age. It's crossing that fine line between toddler hood and childhood. It's hard to believe that four years have went by so quickly....
We celebrated her birthday at the park and had a great day with family and friends, then we headed to the beach with Aunt Lori, Uncle Mike and Gracie & Eli.