Ballerina

Cassie spent the last year in dance and this past June had her first ever dance recital!

She was happy to pose for some pics before the recital started!

Then I got a few of her in motion!

and afterwards we celebrated!

Happy Birthday Baby

Dear Camryn,

Today you turn three, a birthday you have been anticipating for at least 4 months, you are so excited to be three and a big girl! You are so wise and smart and say some things that totally astound me at times. You know how and when to be funny, or when to put on the pouty lip to get your way. You play shy around strangers and then laugh with them in minutes. You love to sing in the car and can play for hours with all manner of little toys, Polly Pockets, Minnie Mouse, Strawberry shortcake all hold you attention so well! You love Princesses, Belle and Jasmine are your favorites and I cannot wait to see you light up when you meet them this fall!

You seem to have outgrown the year of many illnesses and concentrate this one just on ear infections. I am so thankful for each of these cause they are so much better than those "quit breathing and turn blue" spells you offered up as a newborn!
I am often guilty of trying to keep you small, as my last baby I just am not ready for you to grow up, but you are very independent and I take my snuggles as often as you'll offer them! this year you moved to a toddler than big girl bed, tossed away your diapers with ease and fell in love with dresses. I am pretty sure there is only about 1 day a week I can get something other than a dress on you! You've just discovered nightgowns and they hang to your ankles but you love them!

I am so proud to be your mother and watch you grow.

. 

One More Day

If I were given one more day what would it look like? A day of rest, work, typical errands. I am thinking a lot about this today as it is Leap Day today. One extra day in my year, occurring  every four years! Four years, that’s a long time… is one day even something that makes a difference in that amount of time?

Four years ago I had no idea if I’d ever have another child to join Cassie in our family.  Today we are blessed with two beautiful girls!

Four years ago I hadn’t yet met Matt Logelin.

Four Years ago I had no idea that a dear High School Friend was facing a terminal illness.

It amazes me to look back on what I’ve done with my life in the last four years. I’ve had a baby, changes jobs, traveled, gained and lost weight etc.

Two of my greatest accomplishments have been having a very small part in two very large and amazing Non Profits.  The Liz Logelin Foundation ( Providing  hope to families with small children who have lost a parent)

http://thelizlogelinfoundation.org/

Friends Through the Fight (providing support to young adults living with terminal illness)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Through-The-Fight/280449608668156

Both of these organizations didn't exist on the last Leap Day, not because the need wasn't there, but because people who are making the difference like Matt and Elizabeth didn't yet know their greatness! Both of these great causes are having events this month and no matter where you live in the world, you can be a part of helping one or both out today! Maybe today, on the extra day in your year, you can spare a little extra for someone who had no idea last Leap Year that this would be their life today!

It finally snowed

We have had the warmest winter I can ever remember... I am not complaining one bit but the girls were ready to play in the snow.

They built a little snowman complete with candy. Made snow angels and had a snowball fight. Then we brought out the brick builder and made a snow castle.
It was fun but I'm ready for spring

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

We had a great holiday this year. Grandma Cookie and Grandpa Larry joined us for the holiday, We ate at great restaurants, cooked a yummy Christmas Day Prime Rib and I think everyone got a bit spoiled!

 Cassie with Her Ipod touch thanks to Santa and his elves!

 Camryn having a pout in the living room. She ran down the hallway to see what Santa brought her and saw sissy's Ipod and Mommy's bike and nothing for her. I took a quick picture then pointed her towards the kitchen!

 Joy once she saw her gift!

 TRAINS!

 Doing Stockings!

Her super cool Orbeez mood lamp!

Around 9 am I hadn't seen Camryn for awhile, so I investigated and she was snug in her bug playing with my phone! I think the excitement wore her out!

I hope all your holiday activities were are joyous as ours!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

and a Happy New Year!

Christmas cookies!