40th Anniversary

Today my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. We had the whole family over to grill out and enjoy hearing all their memories over the past 40 years. They met in college and it was love at first sight. Fourty years, five children and six grandkids later they are still so in love. Thank you mom and dad for putting Christ first in your life, marriage and family. We are so blessed!

Kevin's First Birthday

On May 15, 2009, we welcomed baby Kevin Michael (7lb 4oz) into the world at 2:23 PM. On May 15, 2010, we celebrated his first year of life with family and cupcakes. In one year bubba tripled his weight to 21 lb 10 oz. So he is now facing forward in his big boy car seat and loves it! He still does not crawl and I don't think he ever will...but he can turn around in a 360 motion pretty fast. His vocabulary consists of dada, mama, gentle, uh oh, dance and thank you. He LOVES books, especially turning the pages. He also loves to dance...it's more like rocking his shoulders back and forth, but he says, "dance" when he does it :) Our little man is such a joy and we thank God every day for him and pray for many more birthdays!

Mother's Day

Our Youth Pastor at church stood up Sunday morning and said, "I don't believe in Mother's Day." A hush over the crowd...Then with a smile he continued to say, "EVERYday should be Mother's Day." What a save! But this is so true. Everyday, someone calls their mother on the phone for a recipe, how to get a stain out,for a good cry or a good laugh. Maybe it's advice or a prayer request you may have. Whether it's good news or bad, our moms are usually the first we dial on the phone. Or even the awards ceremonies on TV..."First, I'd like to thank my mom...". Our mothers play so many roles - from head cook, housekeeper, nurse, laundress, shuttle service, teacher, hugger, cheerleader, counselor, you name it, that was in her "job description"...without complaint or hesitation, she was ALWAYS THERE!

My mom was there when I became a mother. She held the cold wash cloth on my forehead when Claire came into the world and cut the cord when Kevin was born. Seriously - she has a very strong stomach! I thank the Lord daily for my mother who led me to the Lord at the age of 6.

Another special mother to recognize is my mother-in-law. I couldn't ask for a sweeter one. Praise God for these amazing women He blessed me with!

The first time I held Claire.


The first time I held Kevin.


My sweet babies today.


My goodies from Tony, Claire and Kevin.


Thank you family for making me feel so loved and special.

Claire's First Garden

On Easter Sunday, Claire started her first vegetable garden. This weekend, we will take her little sprouts outside for some real growing! Keep watching for further progress and possible feasts :)

LOUISVILLE...HOW WE LOVE AND MISS YOU!

This past Saturday we spent the day with our precious friends in Louisville, KY. Our time together is never long enough but we treasure each conversation, smile and hug. Lots of pictures to share, so I'll keep this part short.

9 months old

Today Kevin Michael got his 9 month check up! Seriously...has it been nine months already? Like the pregnancy, this baby is growing up faster than the first I think. Please SLOW DOWN Bubba!

He has now averaged out on the charts weighing in at 20 pounds even! Everyday I fall more and more in love with this precious butter ball.

He sits very well while playing with his toys, which makes bathtime much easier! And speaking of bathtime...that is definitely his favorite time of the day. He could sit in there and splash all day if I let him. He likes to read before taking naps and still LOVES his thumb...but only when he's tired. He's a very "talkative" baby - making lots of noises, high and low. As well as "dada" and sometimes if I'm lucky, I'll hear a "mama" too.

This morning he waved "HI" - which melted my heart and makes me look forward to so many more changes and exciting events to come before his 1 year check up!

The day that changed our lives forever!

Our sweet little Claire turned 3 years old today.

Last night Tony blew up a bunch of balloons and put them in Claire's room while she was sleeping so she started the day with a colorful surprise! Then, she and I zipped up coats over our jammies and went out to get her favorite breakfast treat, donuts with sprinkles. Later that morning we went to the store to let Claire pick out a couple items with a gift card she received for Christmas from her Granny Z. After strolling up and down and up and down all the isles, she finally made her picks: blue sparkley fingernail polish, purple Ariel PJ's and pink bubble gum.

After her nap we painted her nails with her new polish and waited for daddy to come home with the birthday girl's favorite dinner: McDonalds chicken nugget happy meal. After putting on her new Ariel jammies, we finally ended this special day with watching Claire's birthday video. This is the third one we've made, but I still get tears in my eyes each time I watch them.

What a miracle and blessing children are from the Lord. I know this is Claire's birthday, but really she is such a gift to us everyday.