Happy Father's Day Daddy!
Thank you for all that you do for us...we love you so much and are so thankful for you!
We love how hard you work to provide for us, and how you are always ready to play and snuggle after a long day at work. We love spending time with you and doing special things together. Thank you for the bike rides, trips to the park, fun camping, and M&M's!
Thank you for making your family a priority and for always making the time to spend with us. Thank you for not letting a day go by without making sure your kids feel loved and special. Thank you for being you!
We love you lots!

Such a big boy!

So after about a month of taking 2-3 steps and freaking out once he realized that he was walking.....it's official. Kaeden is walking, there is no stopping this boy now! He still crawls, but he is becoming quite fond of walking from room to room. Sissy thinks it is awesome...and cheers him on loudly whether he takes 1 step or 20.
My baby is pretty much gone...and is replaced with a strong-willed toddler. One who is so sweet and cuddly, but let's you know when he isn't happy! Doesn't help that he is taking lessons from Miss Sass herself!

From the mouth of a 3 year old.

The other day we were talking about our new dog Bailey. Here is Kirstianna's thought on dogs!
K: Mommy I don't like dogs.
Me: Why not, Bailey is nice.
K: Dogs are gross. Bailey is nasty. Bailey is like dealing with poop!

Calm

We are pretty much back to normal life after the crazy month of May...still busy but not insane! The past few weeks we have spent a weekend home alone while Daddy went backpacking, celebrated Memorial Day with a parade and BBQ, fed the ducks and played at the lake, watched Kirstianna perform with her Awana Cubbies group (sooo cute!), and caught up with some old friends we hadn't seen in awhile!
Some of the things my daughter has said lately.....

Me: Were you playing with the toilet brush?
K: I don't know, are you going to flick my hand?
Me: Answer my question Kirstianna.
K: But I asked you a question to Mommy!


K to Daddy: Do you want Spiderman panties...I know you love Spiderman!


K to Me: Let's just not tell Daddy about this ok.

She is quite the firecracker! Keeps me on my toes and causes me to REALLY watch what I say! :)

So this is what 3 years old is like?

Kirstianna woke up this morning. First thing out of her mouth... "Mommy, am I still 3?"

She later asked if Joe Bubba can come play with this (as she point to her new ZhuZhu pet).
I say, "Yes he can play with your ZhuZhu pets."
Her response, "No, it's ZhuZhu PET...there is only one!"
Oh brother!

Kirstianna's Princess Party!

Well, apparently 3rd birthdays are a big deal...because this girl had a birthday weekend! Friday before the party she played at the park with Caleb and Jack and got to go to the candy store AND the toy store. Then went home, had lunch and played with Penny!

After a much needed nap...friends came over to Doe and Papa's to start the celebrating!

Princess Tianna cake thanks to Mimi!!

A good friend ALWAYS sticks by you! Penny and Kirstianna try not to peek at her surprise from Daddy and Mommy!

And she LOVES her princess bike. Saturday (actual b-day) started off right with Doe picking us up to go shopping...with a little stop for a donut first! Then Kirstianna went to Target (her favorite store), picked out some new shoes, ate lunch, rode the Choo-Choo train, ate a cookie, took a nap, rode her bike and ate at McDonald's for dinner! What a weekend...both my kids passed out quickly tonight!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Kirstianna "Monkey Doozle"-
I cannot believe 3 years has already gone by since you blessed our family with your beauty. Since the day you were born I have been in awe of you, and although it seems impossible, I love you more each day.
Being your Momma is such a wonderful blessing. You are such a strong, beautiful, creative, loving girl who is always wanting to learn new things. Not only do you want to learn new things...you want to perfect them! I love that you want me to play a song over and over until you know all the words. You delight in learning your Awana verses and get giddy when you show Mommy a craft you've made. You make your Mommy proud!
Your love of life is an inspiration and a reminder to always appreciate everything...no matter how insignificant it may seem. You truly have a huge heart! I love when you tell me something I did "makes your heart happy" or "I'm so proud of you" (even if you tell me that in the Target public restroom as I pee! I love hearing that Joe Bubba is your "best friend cousin", that "Micah-Man is perfect" and Bubba Doo is your "very handsome best boy"! You love your friends so much and look forward to every time you get to spend with them.
Times with you aren't always so easy! You are so loving, but you've also got a pretty ornery side to you ( not sure where that comes from!). But even when things are difficult with you...it's usually pretty entertaining. Examples: "You are the Mommy and I am the daughter that talks mean", "Fine! Then I'll never get to play toys again.", or my most recent favorite..." Well Mommy, sometimes life's not fair." Well said kid.
You are feisty, sarcastic and quite frankly you crack me up daily. You go straight from playing dolls and princesses to playing ninja and pirates...and I wouldn't have it any other way! You are one in a million! But whether you are cuddly, grumpy, sassy or happy...I LOVE YOU! In fact, as we say... " I love you to the moon and back!"
As our favorite book puts it...
"I am your parent; you are my child.
I am your quiet place; you are my wild.
I am your calm face; you are my giggle.
I am your wait; you are my wiggle.
I am your water wings; you are my deep.
I am your open arms; you are my running leap.
I am your dinner; you are my chocolate cake.
I am your bedtime; you are my wide awake.
I am your finish line; you are my race.
I am your praying hands; you are my saying grace.
I am your lullaby; you are my peekaboo.
I am your goodnight kiss; you are my I love you!"

Thank you for bringing something so special to our family. We wouldn't be the same without you and we love you more than you could possibly know! Happy 3rd Birthday Princess!!!
Love,
Your Mommy

Jesse and I celebrated our 7th anniversary on the 3rd! May is our crazy month....between an anniversary, Chels' b-day, mine, his and Kirstianna's. We also have something going almost every night during the week, a few little trips planned and Jesse has been working overtime as well. Like I said...May is a crazy month! So before I forget, just wanted to jot down a few lines for my hubby!
Jesse-
Thank you for your friendship and love over the past 7 years. You have blessed my life tremendously and I cannot picture life without you! You have blessed me with two amazing kids that I am so thankful for and you provide for us day in and day out.
Your commitment to be an amazing father astounds me and your love for all of us is something you should be proud of. Although you may think we take your hard work and love for granted sometimes (like when I nag about the trash etc. :) ) we really do appreciate you!
Thank you for loving me through the good times and bad, and for doing your best to make the bad times good! I love you so much!
-Your Wifey
P.S. Thank you Katie for graciously watching the kids so we could get some ice cream! We appreciate you so much!

Something to celebrate!

Today we celebrated Gramps & Granny's 50th Anniversary! While I was getting ready and decorating with my mom, I was thinking how amazing it is that my grandparents have made it 50 years together...and my parents are past 25. A few years ago we celebrated Papa and Damma's 50th as well. And I know that if he wasn't keeping God company than they would be headed for 60! I realized how blessed I am to have such wonderful examples in my life. Such amazing people who love each other and have stuck together through all of life's ups and downs.

In a world that views marriage vows as something to stick to as long as it fits your needs, it is so comforting to see so many in it for the long haul.

Gramps/Granny,Papa/Damma,Dad/Mom- You all have had such a huge impact in my life! Thanks for being there for me, for loving each other and being committed to each other...you all have showed me what marriage is. I love you guys!

P.S.
Our 7th Anniversary is in 2 days...and I look forward to the long road and memories to get to 50 years together!

1st Birthday Celebration!

The day after Kaeden turned 1, we celebrated with family and friends! We all gathered at Doe and Papa's house for a "Cars" party! After food and a little fun, Bubba dove into his cake....well kinda! Daddy had to encourage and help him along a lot, and he wound up wiping most of it in his lap...good thing Doe is good at getting stains out of clothes!

Grampsy and Papa enjoying the craziness!

Playing with balloons in the fountain ended up being a hit...who knew?

Not too sure about using his hands for the cake!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBA! WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!

My Dearest Bubba Doo!

Kaeden-
Today you are one year old! The time has gone by so quickly and I can't believe we are here already. You are such a blessing to Daddy and I, and Kirstianna is crazy about you too! You are such an amazing little guy, and I have enjoyed watching you grow and learn over the past year.
You have always been such an easy baby. When you cry, we know something is wrong, and it's almost always an easy fix. You are quiet and calm (most of the time) and such a content little boy. But lately, you have been showing us a whole other side of you. Your personality is coming out and while still content...you are strong willed!
In the past few months you have started fighting back with Sissy over toys, pout and scream when Mommy tells you "No no", and laugh when you get in trouble. Yeah, that's right, you think Mommy rushing to grab breakables from you is hilarious! Thanks!
Also recently, you are a snuggle bug. Quite a change from my baby who would rather be laid down than rocked to sleep! You love giving kisses, being tickled, giving loves and snuggling up with Mommy.
I love watching you experience new things. You are so serious when looking at something new and so curious about everything. Most recently you love playing in the dirt and sand, but haven't learned not to put it in your mouth. But that doesn't surprise me because everything goes in your mouth!
You are learning so much everyday! You crawl in record time now, climb on everything and I'm sure you'll be walking anytime now! You say "Momma" "Dadda" "Sissy" "Hi" "Yucky" "Yay" (while clapping...usually for yourself!) and "Uh-oh"
Everyday you continue to amaze me and bless our lives. You are an amazing gift from God and I cannot tell you how grateful I am to get to be your Mommy! I love you so much and can't wait to see what your next year holds! Thank you for being you!

Things I didn't think needed to actually be said...

" It is NOT ok to hit people with the bible!" to which she responded " Oh, well now I know!"

Rockin' the faux-hawk!

In preparation for his 1st Birthday...Kaeden is sporting a new hair do. He wasn't too fond of the process, but now he thinks he is pretty tough! :) Although I wish I could have taken a picture of his reaction upon first seeing it...he put his head down and covered his eyes with one hand! Too cute! Love this growing boy more and more everyday!

Easter 2010

We spent Easter at my parents house. Food, egg hunt and fun with cousins...what more could you want? Oh yeah, strawberry shortcake too! It was such a beautiful day!

Time Flies!

So, a while after Kirstianna was born I decided I should blog. Not only to keep everyone up on the happenings of our lives, but also to have something to look back on and remember the things that we may forget! Now, a few years and another kid later...I am actually following through with it.
We tend to get so busy that we let things go, and I don't want our memories to be one of them. Kaeden will be one this week, and it has hit me hard that time really does fly by. Weeks pass and the kids grow and life continues to be busy. But hopefully I will remember to take time out and document it, so we have it all to look back on when we're old and gray!