Congratulations Bobby!

This weekend Rob graduated from USC, with a MBA in business. Rob loves to study ( ;) ) so I know he is going to miss it but we are all proud of him! When Shelly asked if she could throw a party at our house we were more than happy to contribute to the celebration!

They chose an ugly Christmas sweater theme which only added to the entertainment. If we were having a competition, Rob would have won; his vest/turtleneck combo were to die for!

It's not a real party without Pat's BBQ!

The little ones got in on the action too!

Sunday, Haley suggested we do arts-and-crafts with the kids. We attempted to put their hand print on an ornament but that didn't work out.  I bought some finger paint weeks ago with the intention of using them to make thank you's for Lily's birthday but haven't gotten around to it (...yet, hopefully that will be happening soon).  After a brief  time browsing Pinterest, I found a project!

Lily, or Frankenstein as you see here, loved it! Painting, playing and eating it!

Another great and memorable weekend! I am continually surprised at how quickly children learn and grow. Each day is better than the one before, just when you think they can't get any cuter.....they do!

Happy Thanksgiving

It's a little late but.....Happy Thanksgiving!


A few years back we (Shelly, Haley and I) made our first Thanksgiving dinner and everything turned out great but this year it was perfect! My bird was golden and juicy, Haley's corn casserole is always a favorite and Shelly didn't disappoint with the largest serving of creamy mashed potatoes.

We all love spending time together and the kids make it even more exciting! The little ones, Denver (14 months), Lily (12 months) and Cruz (9 months) can now entertain themselves for the most part, so we were able to relax and enjoy spending time together. Anacapri has become quite the jabberbox, she lead the babies in a prayer before every meal and made sure the rest of us knew, "her (my) mommy was (is) coming right back" any time Shelly wasn't around. I have missed her little voice this last week!

We started the morning with a stroll!

The weather was a little chilly but we didn't mind. Pat kept a fire going inside, as well as outside. On Friday, Haley noticed a fire truck pull up to the house. Pat went out to see what was going on and the rest of us grabbed our kids and ran out to see the truck. The firefighter explained that they are on the roads for major holidays to be available for emergencies and he chose the empty field across from our house to park for a few minutes. He was so nice and let the kids look around and climb on the truck!

 

 

I say it every time we are together, but, it just keeps getting better! Our family has so much to be thankful for and I pray that our futures will be blessed in the same way!

Everyone left on Saturday so went out and got our tree! I had some extra help decorating this year.

Pat and I were laying in bed the other night and for the first time in a long time I thought about how fortunate we are. Really, how lucky I am. I thank God for Lily everyday but I forget about so many other things. I am thankful for my wonderful husband who worked so hard last year to support us when my salary was unexpectedly taken away. I am sure that was a big burden to carry but he did it well. I am thankful for our home. We found, what has turned into the perfect place for us, our 'compound' as I call it. I am thankful for our health and for our families, especially those that take the extra time for Lily. Whether it be caring for her, sending her special surprises in the mail, praying for her or just loving her; I will never be thankful enough for that. My goal this Christmas season is to remember how wonderful my life is and to strive to never lose sight of that.

It's Party Time!

November 22, 2013 was an exciting day for us. I had no idea that the same day, one year later would be almost as much fun! I wasn't expecting to enjoy the day as much as I did. It was perfect...we enjoyed the day with family and a few cameos from friends.

 Her first guest arrived just as she woke up from her nap and Lily was so excited to see her best bud, Addie!

I didn't do much in the form of decorations but I am so glad I picked up balloons, she loved them! We started the party with a little play time.

Just in case anyone forgot she was turning ONE

One of the best parts of the day was watching as the kids played. Shelly came into town with her family and it was so sweet to watch them together!

The birthday girl and all her cuteness!

It's hard to get a good, clear picture of her smiling, but this one really captures her excitement!

My mom did a wonderful job on the cakes. As usual, she surpassed my requests, the pink cake and pink sprinkles made it even more perfect!

My little foodie didn't disappoint. She was more polite that I expected; she started taking small bites then the "num, num, num" started!

There was plenty to go around so Anacapri shared in the tasting.

I can't forget about the clean up crew!

Sharing with Daddy!

Then things started getting messy.

Nice job Lil!

After a quick bath she was back for more birthday fun! 

And some streaking!!!

 Nakey cousins! 

Poor Anacapri spilled something on her shirt on the trip up so she spent most of the party shirtless, but she made sure Lily had on a diaper on before she would take her for a ride in the (baby dolls) stroller!

Soon she was back in her clothes and ready for presents!

After a little rest with Daddy!

How can my baby be a year old?! The days leading up to her birthday brought mixed emotions. I wanted to celebrate her happiness and health, but my heart ached at the thought of her inching towards independence. I know each day brings more love and more pride so I will look forward to the future and never forget all of the wonderful experiences of the last year. 

Baby Mine

Here she was a year and four days ago. It doesn't cross my mind as much as it used to but that was her; the flipping, wiggly little baby in my belly was Lily! The thought of it still gives me chills…the wonder of life.

 Years ago, my Dad turned me onto Allison Krauss' version of the song Baby Mine, and it always reminded me of him. Pat started playing it in the hospital when Lily was born and again on repeat when we brought her home. I would play it to calm her during her first few weeks and the words took on a meaning for me. It is now Lily's song...

Baby mine, don't you cry.

Baby mine, dry your eyes.

Rest your head close to my heart,

never to part, baby of mine.

Little one, when you play,

don't you mind what they say.

Let your eyes sparkle and shine,

never a tear, baby of mine.

If they knew sweet little you,

they'd end up loving you too.

All those same people who scold you,

what they'd give for the right to hold you.

From your head down to your toes,

you're not much goodness knows.

But, you're so precious to me,

sweet as can be, baby of mine.

 This little lady has brightened every single one of my days for the last year. She is spunky, sweet, funny, temperamental, stubborn, smart and getting cuter everyday! Even after all this time, I still can’t believe she is mine. I am so thankful for my healthy, happy baby girl!