So enter our beloved Ralphie (he we are Clevelanders and we love our Christmas Story fame). He came Monday and has had quite a fun week!
Friday, November 22, 2013
Ralphie the Elf!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Goodbye Sweet Texas
Two years, two months and two days ago from this exact moment I was doing what I am now...sitting on a plane flying away from "home." I likened myself to Dorothy Gale, drowning my sorrows in the thought "there's no place like home."
When I was confronted with the news I had to leave Ohio, I was so resistant. I cried how could I leave my family and friends. How could I leave the only real home I ever knew and create a new one?
It's amazing how resilient we are as humans. I thought I could never find a new home that would far exceed the only home I ever knew. But I sit here today exactly like I was back then - sobbing and broken up inside missing and aching my family and home I loved so well.
My life has truly transformed. God blessed me so much by granting me a new family. In them, I found joys, comforts, support. Home isn't where you are...it's truly who you share it with. Though I did fall madly in love with The Woodlands and the lifestyle we lived, I found myself loving it more because of who I shared it with.
I forced myself to go out and make a new life for my girls. I didn't want to be a mopey mom who cried inside all day. It wasn't easy at first...but I persevered. And I have to say in giving the situation to God, it all turned a corner pretty quick. On May 28 I left Ohio knowing not a soul. By the end of July, I had made friends. We weren't as close then as we now are, but it sparked that change in me. And by Thanksgiving some of us shared our first holiday alone together. And by April, we were surrounded my a wonderful group to celebrate the girls first and second birthdays respectively. If you really think about it...that's truly amazing. In less than a year we were solidly grounded with our new family.
In my early days in Texas, I would sing myself the song Smile to lighten my spirits.
"Smile though your heart is aching. Smile even though its breaking. When there are clouds in the sky you'll get by. If you smile through your fears and sorrows. Smile and maybe tomorrow you'll see the sun come shining through"
I need to repeat this today and most every day for a while until my heart no longer aches for my family afar. It was a special time in my life and I will never forget it.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Run for Hope
It was not only a great race but a personal best. I finished the 10k in 47 minutes (ummm 7:30mm what?!?) And finished 2nd in my age group. I never medaled before so this was the highlight of my running career. It was a perfect end to race season and an even better morning because I had a blast with my friends. I'd like to thing the Harlem shake warm up really added the pep to my step :)
Birthday, sickness and races: Part 3 - the plague
It's been such a gap since this actually happened but we were hit hard on Norah's birthday. I heard screaming and coughing from the girls room. It was such a rough day because I had the race and Mike had his first 100 mile bike ride. Needless to say, we were both exhausted.
Web I entered the room, I was hit with the smell...vomit. Oh my goodness I don't do well with puke. I swooped Claire up and rushed her to the tub. I woke Mike and had him tend to her whole I went to handle the mess. Norah was still fast asleep. I don't know how but she slept through it all. I stripped the bed, did loads of laundry and sprayed Lysol on everything!!!! I kept spraying hoping to kill every single airborne germ (imagine me like die die die to the germs...I was fanatical). The sickness continued through the night and carried into the days thereafter. It was Claire's first tummy bug and it was brutal. She was terribly ill and it worried me simply because she just was lifeless and pale. I know how brutal it is but to watch your child is very difficult.
After a trip to the doctor on day 3 of still puking, we left with Zofran and a new outlook...things would soon make a turn for the better. 
Hot hot hot!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Birthday, sickness and races: PART 2 - Race in Huntsville
The day after Norah's birthday, I was competing in the Texas 10 Series race in Huntsville. I signed up last minute with the urging of my running partner and dear friend Tanna. It was a loop course...I don't like loops! Ever since my half last year that was the same loop 3x, I vowed never to do a loop again. Ironic since my 2 recent races were both loops! I digress...not to go into too much detail, but the race was a success! I completed it in 1:27 (8:38mm). I placed 4th in my age group...missed a medal by under a minute. So close!!!! But this race was such a game changer for me because it was starting to show all of my work was paying off. I was actually getting faster. So big progress for me and lots of fun doing it.
Birthday, sickness and races: PART 1 - Birthdays
I have taken a long blogging hiatus...like almost a month!
Since my last post, we have had a busy month.
Starting with the girls birthdays...
Claire' 3rd birthday was her day to have it her way. Since she is all about pampering, she went to get her nails done. I normally take her to the nail salons around the corner, but since it was her special day, we spent it at the little girls salon Sweet and Sassy. Though her dad was a little concerned about the price (a mini mani was $35!), we caved for her special day. My original plan was for she and I to have a mommy and me date, but she really wanted to share the experience with her best friend Olivia (it's starting already...being with mom is not cool). I made two little appointments and those two had the best time. It honestly was hysterical to see them together...they were like to old pros. Claire chatted away about her man aka "my daddy." The tech laughed because every sentence started with, "So my daddy..." throughout her entire service. They got blue sparkly toes and green and purple sparkly fingers (alternating fingers on both). We followed their spa day with lunch (TKY at Potbelly for the b-day girl) and lastly a shopping trip at Carter's. I am so going to have to watch this girl because all the items she picked happened to be the only non-sale items. Champagne taste!
We ended the day with a taco dinner, again Claire's choosing, and birthday cake. I don't know who was more excited for the cake, Claire or Norah!!!! I think all in all she had a great day.
(As a total aside, please note the heinous bruise on Norah's cheek. Immediately following her birthday party, she went down for a much needed nap. Sometime between the moment I closed the door to put her down and the time I went back in to get her, she got that awful bruise. Neither girl would fess up to the cause. I asked and all I got was, "A lion got Norah" (umm no but A+ for imagination). SO please also note that the bruise was nearly 4 weeks ago and is STILL on her face!!!! It will appear in the photo series in the future posts. Only noting this because it looks like dirt on her face! Though that's not out of character for Norah, I say it so people know she does get cleaned and isn't a perpetually dirty kid.)
Since my last post, we have had a busy month.
Starting with the girls birthdays...
Claire' 3rd birthday was her day to have it her way. Since she is all about pampering, she went to get her nails done. I normally take her to the nail salons around the corner, but since it was her special day, we spent it at the little girls salon Sweet and Sassy. Though her dad was a little concerned about the price (a mini mani was $35!), we caved for her special day. My original plan was for she and I to have a mommy and me date, but she really wanted to share the experience with her best friend Olivia (it's starting already...being with mom is not cool). I made two little appointments and those two had the best time. It honestly was hysterical to see them together...they were like to old pros. Claire chatted away about her man aka "my daddy." The tech laughed because every sentence started with, "So my daddy..." throughout her entire service. They got blue sparkly toes and green and purple sparkly fingers (alternating fingers on both). We followed their spa day with lunch (TKY at Potbelly for the b-day girl) and lastly a shopping trip at Carter's. I am so going to have to watch this girl because all the items she picked happened to be the only non-sale items. Champagne taste!
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| Talking about the main man in her life, her daddy |
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| "Wow!" |
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| Best friends!!! |
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| Officially 3 - blowing out the candle at 6:49 PM ... exact time of birth! |
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| LOVING the cake!!! |
On the heels of Claire's birthday came Norah's. Just like Claire, we gave Norah the options to choose her day. It's a litter trickier with her because she is still young. Though she says a lot, she really is a go with the flow kind of girl. She only demanded a few things - food, Sofia the first and cake. Can't really argue with that, right?
Mike and I really thought through and through about what to do with Norah. How could we make her day special to her? We gave her a shopping trip at the Disney store. See we can do this because she isn't like her sister in that she won't want everything in the store. She initially grabs items, but will just as quickly put it back and say, "I no want this." Easy enough. As predicted she went for her two favorite girls - Sofia and Minnie. She got a plush Sofia doll and a pair of Minnie sandals. Then she wanted "chicken nuggets" for lunch so we got the girls Chick-fil-A followed by a MUCH NEEDED bang trim (for both girls...Claire got lumped in that mix). We bought a cookie cake for Norah but since both girls were exhausted, we decided it was best to enjoy the cookie the following night.
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| Feasting on lunch...notice the bangs...EEK! |
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| Clutching her Sofia doll and sporting the new 'do...very chic birthday girl! |
(As a total aside, please note the heinous bruise on Norah's cheek. Immediately following her birthday party, she went down for a much needed nap. Sometime between the moment I closed the door to put her down and the time I went back in to get her, she got that awful bruise. Neither girl would fess up to the cause. I asked and all I got was, "A lion got Norah" (umm no but A+ for imagination). SO please also note that the bruise was nearly 4 weeks ago and is STILL on her face!!!! It will appear in the photo series in the future posts. Only noting this because it looks like dirt on her face! Though that's not out of character for Norah, I say it so people know she does get cleaned and isn't a perpetually dirty kid.)
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Happy Birthday Dear Norah
My dearest Norah,
Turning two is a sad day for mommy. You are growing up too quickly. As each day passes, I watch you blossom and grow into such the sweetest little spirit. Though you are arrival came quickly on the heels of your sister, your presence is truly unique and special, never outshone or overshadowed by your big sis. You are my baby, the littlest member of our brood. Though you are bigger than most two-year tots, I embrace and hold you as though you were still that precious little newborn placed in my arms. I still remember that thick head of hair, black as night, and your chubby little cheeks. You were perfect and the complete opposite of your sister. Still to this day, you are the ying to Claire's yang.
You amaze me. Your vocabulary alone blows me away - you can fully communicate with me1 And even scarier, I have become to used to it that I often treat you like my true equal and not my little baby. You have the brightest smile and the most perfect little giggle. You laugh with every ounce of your being and your eyes dance along too. You have the sweetest disposition. You can be crying and in a huge fit, yet in an instant turn to me and go, "Sowwy mommy."
You are my little ham and future American Idol. You always have a natural rhythm and even walk with a little swing to your step. You love to sing and "You Are My Sunshine" is your absolute favorite tune.
My heart swells with joy as you are the perfect exclamation point to our family. You have always been my snuggle bunny...but you truly are my source of joy. You always know when to give me a hug or a kiss, a word of kindness, or comfort me when I am upset. You make me laugh harder than I have ever laughed - your wit, your silly nature, your joyful voice and your cute little tone. I sound like a broken record but you have brought me so much joy and look forward to watching you grow and blossom as the years go on.
All my love,
Mommy
Turning two is a sad day for mommy. You are growing up too quickly. As each day passes, I watch you blossom and grow into such the sweetest little spirit. Though you are arrival came quickly on the heels of your sister, your presence is truly unique and special, never outshone or overshadowed by your big sis. You are my baby, the littlest member of our brood. Though you are bigger than most two-year tots, I embrace and hold you as though you were still that precious little newborn placed in my arms. I still remember that thick head of hair, black as night, and your chubby little cheeks. You were perfect and the complete opposite of your sister. Still to this day, you are the ying to Claire's yang.
You amaze me. Your vocabulary alone blows me away - you can fully communicate with me1 And even scarier, I have become to used to it that I often treat you like my true equal and not my little baby. You have the brightest smile and the most perfect little giggle. You laugh with every ounce of your being and your eyes dance along too. You have the sweetest disposition. You can be crying and in a huge fit, yet in an instant turn to me and go, "Sowwy mommy."
You are my little ham and future American Idol. You always have a natural rhythm and even walk with a little swing to your step. You love to sing and "You Are My Sunshine" is your absolute favorite tune.
My heart swells with joy as you are the perfect exclamation point to our family. You have always been my snuggle bunny...but you truly are my source of joy. You always know when to give me a hug or a kiss, a word of kindness, or comfort me when I am upset. You make me laugh harder than I have ever laughed - your wit, your silly nature, your joyful voice and your cute little tone. I sound like a broken record but you have brought me so much joy and look forward to watching you grow and blossom as the years go on.
All my love,
Mommy
Monday, April 1, 2013
A letter to my Claire as she turns 3
My dearest Claire,
It wasn't the easiest nine months preparing for your arrival and your delivery was equally stressful. As I laid there waiting for your first cry, I pleaded with God to just make you be ok. And as your screams filled the dimly lit room, I felt a wash of relief. You were here an you were safe. For that brief moment in time, it felt like time stood still and nothing could hurt you.
As you turn three, I am overwhelmed with so many emotions. My firstborn...my home you have grown. You are what your name means - bright! I take it in all forms too. You are smart beyond your years. You never miss a beat and have always been quick to figure out every baby proofing technique. You shine brightly in a crowd. Your smile lights up a room. Your laugh makes me and everyone else laugh. Your wit brings a smile to all. You tell such funny stories and tall tales (i must keep an eye on this). You're compassionate and caring. You have a sense of nature that makes me so proud. You take care of your sister. You always want to care for the little babies and look after your friends. If I am sad or you happen to see me cry, you ask why I am sad. Nurture is a fantastic trait and I am so glad you possess it. I hope that nothing causes that amazing ability to either as time goes on.
Though I had many a struggle with you during your toddler days, your DeeDee always told me that you would evolve into my greatest blessing. And within a short year, you have evolved from an unruly toddler (whom I still absolutely loved and adored beyond anything) into my best friend. I enjoy our quality time together. As Norah naps, I so cherish you helping me clean a room, share a sandwich or just sit and girl talk. You are growing so quickly before me eyes and I wish time would stop so I could keep you this size forever.
My heart sinks as I think our days of us being together nonstop are beginning to come to an end. You will begin preschool soon and then before I know it you will be in kindergarten. You have changed my life so much in such a short time and I am blessed that God prepared you for me and chose me to be your mother. You are a refreshing spirit. I love all of your little quirks and how you're wired: Your obsessed with fashion and how you need to change outfits by the hour. Your love of high heels and need to wear them everywhere. Your love of earrings and changing them out. Your myriad of baby dolls and how each gets your love and attention. Your mirroring of me with working out, watching you do lunges and squats and throw downs alongside me at boot camp. Your NEED for chocolate milk first thing in the morning. Your fixation with routine and repetition. Your odd questions (i.e. random strangers where their daddy is)...I could go on and on.
I want to shelter you from the world. You are still too young to really feel hurt or rejection. I don't want you to experience pain of that magnitude. I love seeing your smile and only want to wipe away tears from falling down and not being hurt by another's words. Even seeing girls leave you out now makes my heart break. But as your mother, I will be your beacon of strength. I will always be here to pick you up and make you see how beautiful and amazing you are. I promise to fill your bucket and never empty it. I will build you up and bring you back when you seem to have lost your way. I will make sure you always love and respect others, especially your family.
I love you more than my tongue can tell. Thank you for being you and for blessing my life beyond words.
Love,
Momma
It wasn't the easiest nine months preparing for your arrival and your delivery was equally stressful. As I laid there waiting for your first cry, I pleaded with God to just make you be ok. And as your screams filled the dimly lit room, I felt a wash of relief. You were here an you were safe. For that brief moment in time, it felt like time stood still and nothing could hurt you.
As you turn three, I am overwhelmed with so many emotions. My firstborn...my home you have grown. You are what your name means - bright! I take it in all forms too. You are smart beyond your years. You never miss a beat and have always been quick to figure out every baby proofing technique. You shine brightly in a crowd. Your smile lights up a room. Your laugh makes me and everyone else laugh. Your wit brings a smile to all. You tell such funny stories and tall tales (i must keep an eye on this). You're compassionate and caring. You have a sense of nature that makes me so proud. You take care of your sister. You always want to care for the little babies and look after your friends. If I am sad or you happen to see me cry, you ask why I am sad. Nurture is a fantastic trait and I am so glad you possess it. I hope that nothing causes that amazing ability to either as time goes on.
Though I had many a struggle with you during your toddler days, your DeeDee always told me that you would evolve into my greatest blessing. And within a short year, you have evolved from an unruly toddler (whom I still absolutely loved and adored beyond anything) into my best friend. I enjoy our quality time together. As Norah naps, I so cherish you helping me clean a room, share a sandwich or just sit and girl talk. You are growing so quickly before me eyes and I wish time would stop so I could keep you this size forever.
My heart sinks as I think our days of us being together nonstop are beginning to come to an end. You will begin preschool soon and then before I know it you will be in kindergarten. You have changed my life so much in such a short time and I am blessed that God prepared you for me and chose me to be your mother. You are a refreshing spirit. I love all of your little quirks and how you're wired: Your obsessed with fashion and how you need to change outfits by the hour. Your love of high heels and need to wear them everywhere. Your love of earrings and changing them out. Your myriad of baby dolls and how each gets your love and attention. Your mirroring of me with working out, watching you do lunges and squats and throw downs alongside me at boot camp. Your NEED for chocolate milk first thing in the morning. Your fixation with routine and repetition. Your odd questions (i.e. random strangers where their daddy is)...I could go on and on.
I want to shelter you from the world. You are still too young to really feel hurt or rejection. I don't want you to experience pain of that magnitude. I love seeing your smile and only want to wipe away tears from falling down and not being hurt by another's words. Even seeing girls leave you out now makes my heart break. But as your mother, I will be your beacon of strength. I will always be here to pick you up and make you see how beautiful and amazing you are. I promise to fill your bucket and never empty it. I will build you up and bring you back when you seem to have lost your way. I will make sure you always love and respect others, especially your family.
I love you more than my tongue can tell. Thank you for being you and for blessing my life beyond words.
Love,
Momma
Friday, March 29, 2013
Bluebonnets
The most beautiful thing about Texas in springtime is the abundance of wildflowers. The pollen is gross and stifling but the scenery makes up for it.
Lisa and I took the kids to Creekside Park to capture this fleeting season before it would be trampled by other photo seekers and weather.
Let me tell you...the pics came out well but the moments of trying to take pics were just priceless. Norah was not into it. She didn't want to wear clothes let alone her outfit. She had one of her epic fits where she screams and lays on the stiff on the ground to get her point across. Claire wanted to hold Ella and was doing so in her typical smothering fashion. Ella on the other hand was crying because se had pooped and needed immediate changing. Then there was Joseph. His pants were too big and he did not want to wear a diaper because he wanted to be a big boy. What happened? He was running around and his pants were steadily falling down with every step...exposing all of Joseph to Creekside Park. Let me preface all of this by saying there were tons of people at the park doing the exact same thing we were, both novices and professionals alike. So I am sure our little foursome were really making everyone's day that much more joyful (sarcasm indeed).
However, in that fleeting moment of chaos, Lisa was able to capture some fantastic pictures of the girls. All in a days work, right?!
Lisa and I took the kids to Creekside Park to capture this fleeting season before it would be trampled by other photo seekers and weather.
Let me tell you...the pics came out well but the moments of trying to take pics were just priceless. Norah was not into it. She didn't want to wear clothes let alone her outfit. She had one of her epic fits where she screams and lays on the stiff on the ground to get her point across. Claire wanted to hold Ella and was doing so in her typical smothering fashion. Ella on the other hand was crying because se had pooped and needed immediate changing. Then there was Joseph. His pants were too big and he did not want to wear a diaper because he wanted to be a big boy. What happened? He was running around and his pants were steadily falling down with every step...exposing all of Joseph to Creekside Park. Let me preface all of this by saying there were tons of people at the park doing the exact same thing we were, both novices and professionals alike. So I am sure our little foursome were really making everyone's day that much more joyful (sarcasm indeed).
However, in that fleeting moment of chaos, Lisa was able to capture some fantastic pictures of the girls. All in a days work, right?!
Birthday party for the princesses!
For the birthday party last year, I had a theme in my mind - Thing 1 and Thing 2 since the girls were turning 1 & 2. It was non-negotiable. But this year, I really wanted the girls to tell me what party they wanted and I was going to roll with it. It had evolved. First it was Minnie Mouse...then Doc McStuffins...then Yo Gabba Gabba (which they don't even watch anymore)...and then finally Princess. Princess seemed to stick an rightfully so. My girls are ALL girl. They dress up, wear jewelry and heels, style their hair and love fashion more than most. I was all for the princess party because it was something I could attempt to go all put for. Immediately I began to search for ideas...
I settled on March 29 (Good Friday) for the big day. Our dearest Claire was born on Good Friday three years ago, so it is only fitting. It also happened to coincide with Mike's travel week which made planning a little complicated. I had to be thoughtful of my list and plan out all shopping to work around buying with the girls. Best way to tackle this was a little bit each day rather than one big trip. Second, I needed to recruit my crew of helpers. Maggie naturally became my go-to gal. We did the girls birthday party entirely by ourselves last year as Mike also traveled the week leading up to their party. Except this year we made sure we did a little bit each day rather than burn the midnight oil like the previous year.
We made Tuesday our chocolate day. I had found a princess party that I wanted to copy (imitation is truly flattery). So we made chocolate covered pretzels, rice Krispy treats that we cut into heels, and chocolate covered marshmallows to look like apples. They looked SO cute and tasted even better.
Thursday was the food prep day. My sweet and talented friend Lisa assisted in fruit cutting to help make "magic wands" - grape skewers with pineapple stars on top. I have to give Lisa a world of credit because she hand cut those stars. The cookie cutter wouldn't go through the pineapple and she used a knife to cut. It's dedication! The results were amazing. And Maggie came to make the castle sandwiches and decorate the house.
Today came together SO well! The girls had their custom princess shirts, tutus and crowns and were ready for the party. And honestly, it was a fantastic party. We had the playroom and backyard ready for all of their friends. Mike went out early today and picked up a castle piñata last minute which actually worked out well (I admittedly was nervous of the idea of all 2 & 3 year olds trying to strike that and possibly each other).
My goal was for everyone to have fun. Sure, I got excited at the idea of throwing a party and being creative; but above all I wanted my girls to have a fun day and wanted their friends to have the same. My friends in Texas are beyond friends to me...they are truly family. I love them and their children just as much as I love my nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. I feel so blessed to have them and for my girls to have them. I wanted today to be a thank you to them for all they've done for me and my family. As everyone was gathered to sing "happy birthday" for the girls I couldn't help but tear up. It may be cliche to say this but it was just a moment where I felt so much love in the room. No one is forced to come and gather with your children - it is a choice. I feel blessed beyond words that we have all of them. Perhaps with the Easter holiday I am feeling more sentimental but I think of where I was 2 years ago: petrified of moving to a foreign place and not knowing a soul. To think in such a short amount of time I was able to become friends with the best friends I have ever had is something that makes me believe in the power of God's love. I don't take where I am each day for granted and feel very fortunate to be exactly where I am meant to be.
So as the planning has officially come to an end, I feel grateful that it came together and made the girls happy. I feel beyond grateful to Maggie and Lisa for helping me (I truly don't know what I would do without them) and most grateful to God for answering so many prayers.
I settled on March 29 (Good Friday) for the big day. Our dearest Claire was born on Good Friday three years ago, so it is only fitting. It also happened to coincide with Mike's travel week which made planning a little complicated. I had to be thoughtful of my list and plan out all shopping to work around buying with the girls. Best way to tackle this was a little bit each day rather than one big trip. Second, I needed to recruit my crew of helpers. Maggie naturally became my go-to gal. We did the girls birthday party entirely by ourselves last year as Mike also traveled the week leading up to their party. Except this year we made sure we did a little bit each day rather than burn the midnight oil like the previous year.
We made Tuesday our chocolate day. I had found a princess party that I wanted to copy (imitation is truly flattery). So we made chocolate covered pretzels, rice Krispy treats that we cut into heels, and chocolate covered marshmallows to look like apples. They looked SO cute and tasted even better.
Thursday was the food prep day. My sweet and talented friend Lisa assisted in fruit cutting to help make "magic wands" - grape skewers with pineapple stars on top. I have to give Lisa a world of credit because she hand cut those stars. The cookie cutter wouldn't go through the pineapple and she used a knife to cut. It's dedication! The results were amazing. And Maggie came to make the castle sandwiches and decorate the house.
Today came together SO well! The girls had their custom princess shirts, tutus and crowns and were ready for the party. And honestly, it was a fantastic party. We had the playroom and backyard ready for all of their friends. Mike went out early today and picked up a castle piñata last minute which actually worked out well (I admittedly was nervous of the idea of all 2 & 3 year olds trying to strike that and possibly each other).
My goal was for everyone to have fun. Sure, I got excited at the idea of throwing a party and being creative; but above all I wanted my girls to have a fun day and wanted their friends to have the same. My friends in Texas are beyond friends to me...they are truly family. I love them and their children just as much as I love my nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. I feel so blessed to have them and for my girls to have them. I wanted today to be a thank you to them for all they've done for me and my family. As everyone was gathered to sing "happy birthday" for the girls I couldn't help but tear up. It may be cliche to say this but it was just a moment where I felt so much love in the room. No one is forced to come and gather with your children - it is a choice. I feel blessed beyond words that we have all of them. Perhaps with the Easter holiday I am feeling more sentimental but I think of where I was 2 years ago: petrified of moving to a foreign place and not knowing a soul. To think in such a short amount of time I was able to become friends with the best friends I have ever had is something that makes me believe in the power of God's love. I don't take where I am each day for granted and feel very fortunate to be exactly where I am meant to be.
So as the planning has officially come to an end, I feel grateful that it came together and made the girls happy. I feel beyond grateful to Maggie and Lisa for helping me (I truly don't know what I would do without them) and most grateful to God for answering so many prayers.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Birthday pics
I had the grand idea that my dear friend Lisa and I could take on the task of birthday pictures. She has the skills and I have photoshop...so it was perfect. It ended up being a fabulous idea!
Not only did Lisa get some great shots, but the kids were so happy to actually smile for her (because they adore her) and we left not feeling overwhelmed and upset.
The only setback was Norah's explosive diaper incident. I honestly cannot remember a blowout of a diaper like that since infancy. It went up her back. To make matters worse, she put her hand on her back and smeared it on her back and all over her hands. Needless to say it was a difficult clean up. So glad I brought a change of clothes and also had Lisa to help hand me wipes (and grab a dog poop bag to dispose of everything).
We ended the session with some park time and had a lovely Sunday enjoying the weather. Can't wait to print up the pics for their princess party!
Not only did Lisa get some great shots, but the kids were so happy to actually smile for her (because they adore her) and we left not feeling overwhelmed and upset.
The only setback was Norah's explosive diaper incident. I honestly cannot remember a blowout of a diaper like that since infancy. It went up her back. To make matters worse, she put her hand on her back and smeared it on her back and all over her hands. Needless to say it was a difficult clean up. So glad I brought a change of clothes and also had Lisa to help hand me wipes (and grab a dog poop bag to dispose of everything).
We ended the session with some park time and had a lovely Sunday enjoying the weather. Can't wait to print up the pics for their princess party!
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