Happy Halloween - 2011

***I am grateful for
1) my bed, can't wait to crawl into it
2) a weekend that's not packed to the brim
3) this Monday is over
4) seeing smiles on my kid's faces
5) a wonderful Halloween!

Wordless Wednesday (almost) - True Bravery

Didn't even flinch, of course that brand new Angry Bird - Pig might have had something to do with it!

***I am grateful for
1) my brave guy
2) a big brother that wanted to show his little sister that flu shots didn't hurt
3) little surprises that can make something scary a little less scary
4) humpday!
5) only 17 school days until Thanksgiving break!

New header added to the rotation!

A certain blog has a new header in the rotation, have you seen it yet? Thanks Sweetie Baby's Custom Blog Designs!!!!

****I am grateful for
1) beautiful weather
2) the little bit of rain we did get
3) a wonderful weekend
4) tomorrow's dinner is all ready to go, just needs to be heated up (yeah for me being on top of things!)
5) The school year is officially 1/4 of the way over (but who's counting?? I am!)

Chase has written a page in history... again!

In January of 2009, Chase was three years old. He was little, adorable, shy, and the absolute cutest thing we had ever seen. Then he started karate and he looked like this:

Yep, he was even cuter in that crisp white uniform and was all smiles as we walked out the door to his first class. Then we got there and all he wanted was his daddy on the floor with him. His daddy gladly obliged and over the years Chase has become quite the expert in his class. We have seen many kids come and go, his school grow by leaps and bounds, and experienced lots of life events during this time. Emery has patiently (and not so patiently) sat through many a class watching her big brother do his stuff and has even picked up a thing or two herself. Each time Chase has tested I've been amazed at all he has learned and I really credit his usually excellent behavior to the discipline he has learned in this class. More than once we've almost called it quits because the time commitment has been tough on top of baseball and other things, but Chase has always made the call to stick with it. His determination and discipline paid off in a big way today. Today he wrote a page in history that can never be changed as he became the first "Tiny Tiger" in the history of his school to earn the top belt, the coveted "Tiger Belt!" I am so proud of Chase, I have always known he is destined for great things and today he has proven it once again!

Man I love this boy!

****I am grateful for
1) the chance to be his Mommy
2) the respect Chase has earned from those around him
3) the respect Chase has earned for himself
4) the accomplishments of my children
5) the smile on his face that showed just how proud of himself he was

Princess Emery is TWO!!!

Today our Princess is officially TWO, officially a toddler. Well, I think 2 is when they become a toddler. Either way, she's still my baby and always will be. I look at her and she is quickly becoming a little girl. Just look at that sweet face.

If you ask her how old she is, she says four.... or five. Every once in a while it's two, but normally she likes to give herself a couple of extra years. We have decided that she will be voted "most likely to get a fake i.d." in high school (she would be in so much trouble). I'll admit, it's not only cute, it's pretty funny because she's so determined when she says it!

Nana made her another special cake so she'd have a cake on her actual birthday. We figure it was her cake and if she wanted to put her fingers in it, then so be it.
Here's a close-up of her cake, fit for a Princess I'd say. ;o)
I always wanted a daughter and when I was pregnant I had no doubt that it was a girl. Everyday I thank the Lord for both of my children and am so thankful that I have one of each, that they are healthy, happy, taken care of, and that I get to be their Mommy. Words can't even describe how awesome these last two years have been and how much joy this little girl has brought into our lives. Sometimes it still feels like a dream, the most wonderful dream I could have.

Sweet Emery,

Today you are two years old. I know I say it every time, but these two years have gone so fast. When I wrapped you in your towel this evening and held you in my arms I could feel a lump in my throat as I picture myself doing the exact same thing just two short years ago. You were so tiny, so new, so fragile. Now you are a big girl that wants to be independent and on the go. It's amazing how two years can change so much.

You do so many new things every day that it's impossible to keep up. You are a busy girl with a million different things going on! Every day brings new challenges, new skills being learned, and new things to be done!

You are loved by so many people and manage to wrap every one you meet around your little finger in a matter of seconds. Your laughter and smile are contagious and can bright even the cloudiest days.

You have recently developed a love for ice cream. To be more specific, you have recently developed a love for Blue.Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. You ask to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Of course we don't actually let you, but you do eat your fair share. I'm wondering if we should buy stock in Blue Bell.

You adore animals and have no fear. If Houdini walks anywhere near you, it's not long before you hear him meowing for help because he's been tackled... by you. Yoda and Leah love to cover you in kisses and for the most part you are OK with it. If you are at your limit, you have your way of letting them know.

I could go on and on about all the wonderful things going on with you, but I'll end with a thank you. Thank you for letting me be your mommy. Thank you for the "I lub yous." Thank you for the huge hugs and then sweet kisses that you give me on a daily basis. Thank you for making my life even sweeter just by being in it.

Happy 2nd birthday Emery Faith, you are my 2nd miracle, the 2nd half of why I was born!

~ Mommy

****I am grateful for
1) two awesome, unbelievable years
2) that good things come to those that wait
3) being stubborn, if I weren't I would have given up way too soon
4) that things happen for a reason
5) that someone up there knows what he is doing

Princess Emery's 2nd Birthday Bash!

Somebody had an awesome birthday party today to celebrate her 2nd birthday!!!! Nothing like celebrating two awesome years with with tons of wonderful family and friends!!! I would post pics of them, but since the blog is public and I don't have permission, I hate to do that. However, here are some of our day! I realized I don't have any of big brother, some how I've got to get that boy to stay still and take pictures!!!!












****I am grateful for
1) a day that wasn't too hot
2) a wonderful birthday party!
3) celebrations!
4) family and friends
5) that smile on her face!!

Wordless Wednesday - Big Brother, Little Sister

****I am grateful for

1) that they have each other
2) that I have them
3) that some things will never change
4) that some things will change
5) that Duchess got some awesome news today (let's just say that "to grandmother's house we go" will be a LOT closer!)