#5 is alive!

visit with santa

special birthday cakes

Miss Katie made our birthday cakes... only to out-do last year's! We loved them!

happy 5th birthday!

I may be a little biased, but I think I have some pretty darn good-looking kids!




Mary, you are our passionate "Mare-Bear." Your big, beautiful brown eyes, along with that dimple, light up a room. You are so animated and full of expression when you are telling a story. You will always have a special place in my heart because you are my first born.



Gabrielle, you are our inquisitive one- nothing gets by you. Your heart is bigger than life and you try so, so hard to be good and to always do the "right thing." I love to listen to you reason out answers to questions and to watch you try so hard. You are my itty bitty, but as fierce as a lion. You will always have a special place in my heart because of how much you love.



Ahhh, my boy Mateo. Your sweetness is stronger than candy. You never give up trying...no matter how frustrated you may become. You are strong, and brave- yet caring and gentle with your sisters. Being my son, you will always have a special place in my heart.

remembering Grammy

Not a day usually goes by that I don't think about Grammy. Either I want to ask her about a recipe, or for advice, or to share a funny story about the kiddo's. And it pains me that Abby will never meet her or get to feel her love. (Pa has some big shoes to fill!)

But on the anniversary of her death, I keep trying to force myself to celebrate her life and the love she had for everyone - instead of remembering how sad I am to have lost her so early.


Grammy with Gabby, at 8mo old.

start 'em young

Abby and I get to enjoy some "girl time" while the trio are at school... and that sometimes entails a stop at Starbucks. She often gets angry because she isn't allowed to drink Mommy's "coppee" (her version of coffee) but I found out today that they have little tiny cups with lids that are the perfect size for Abby! She thoroughly enjoyed her water "coppee" today!

girls just wanna have fun

Who says Mateo is the only one that wants to play Wii?