A Long Time Coming

     Claire, Gretchen and Lily Grace
         Playing the piano with Clarie
                                       Oh!  My mommy left?  I hadn't noticed.

After 1 year 3 months and 22 days, it has finally happened.  I ran an errand this morning and Lily Grace stayed with Claire and her mommy Gretchen.  It is the first time I have left Lily Grace with anyone.  

While she was very excited when I told her we were going to Claire's house, she wasn't quite sure when I got ready to leave.  She never cried or looked worried, just quiet.  I must admit, leaving her, if only for a few minutes, tugged at my heart a little bit when I got down the road, but I knew without a doubt she was in wonderful hands and I had nothing to worry about.

When I returned approximately 37 minutes later, (baby steps you know) she was all smiles and didn't want to leave.  Gretchen said they had the best time (as they always do) and both enjoyed their time together playing outside watering flowers, playing in Claire's room as well as some tunes on the piano.  Gretchen and I often talk about how sweet and caring of the other they are when together.  Seeing them run to hug each other and squeal is really quite sweet.  Well, that and hearing them call each other by name-  Je Je (Lily) and Clllre (Claire)

While it may seem small and trivial, it was a big step for both of us.  I couldn't think of a better first place for her to stay.  We are truly blessed to have such wonderful neighbors as friends.

Little things like this also remind me of the true blessing it is to be able to enjoy being a stay at home mom.  We may not say it enough daddy, but we sincerely appreciate what you do for our family.  You give so freely of yourself to give us special days together.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  We love you more than we could blog about.

Mother's Day

                                               Happy Mother's Day!

            To view the book Daddy made click: View

Mommy and the girls

 I still find it hard to believe that I am a mommy to the most wonderful little girl in the world.

 I have had a very special Mother's Day.  Daddy and Lily Grace spent some fun quality time together and I went for a pedicure and did a little clothes shopping.  It was so relaxing and fun.  I have also enjoyed Daddy's cooking this weekend.  They gave me a very special gift that Matt has been working very hard on.  He, Lily Grace and Darby gave me a book that he created on Shutterfly.  The book is filled with pictures and special memories of Lily Grace and I.  He even saved some drawings that Lily Grace and I did together and had them added to the book.  It really is quite special and I just adore it.  Lily Grace is  fond of it as well.  She loves to sit and look at it over and over again, describing the pictures.

My life is so blessed.  I can't imagine not being "mommy."  I love her hugs and kisses, finding tiny barrettes and hair-bows in my makeup drawer and walking into the pantry and finding doll figures sitting on the shelf.  Watching her imitate my behaviors melts me, along with the sounds of her giggles and sweet "I love you."

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."  Luke 1:45  

Blessed indeed!!!!  Happy Mother's Day!

Horses, Cake and Party Fun

It's official!  Lily Grace has blown out the candles on the birthday cake.  

Lily Grace along with several of her friends celebrated her birthday on Saturday with a party!  (Thanks to Gran for serving as the entertainment committee Saturday morning so that Daddy and I could get things ready for the party.)  Her party had a  horse theme this year.  Horses have been among her favorites lately.  Painting is one of  her other favorites and we also enjoyed that at the party too.  In fact, the kids kicked the party off by painting their own horses.  

Speaking of paint, I can't publish this post without placing a little special emphasis on the paint. You see, one of my friends who's name I won't mention, KATHY showed up 30 minutes early to the party.  I still had rollers in my hair.  About 10 minutes before the party was due to begin and the guest arrive, Kathy's little boy was trying to reach for one of the horse balloons and accidentally knocked over a bucket of the paints I had put together.  No big deal here, I had put the paints in small containers for little hands and only filled them half full.  KATHY being a good mom went in to pick up the paints and put them nicely back in the container and then...  I hear a scream as I am bustling about the kitchen getting all the food on the table.  I round the corner and there it is-  paint all over the hardwood floors and KATHY.  Now I must admit, I could give two cents about my friend at this point but my floors, the party, the guest Oh Lord!!!!  That small half container of paint looks like a gallon when spread out and black no doubt.  No worries, Matt went promptly to retrieve his "Schneider Bucket"  (as it has been referred to- an industrial sized mop bucket-  No he isn't a neat freak!)   along with an old toothbrush and he begins to clean the floors.  Matt manages to get the floor cleaned with about a minute to spare.   Needless to say, this isn't your typical party memory but...  Just giving you a hard time Kathy.  We will take all the memories of our little girl's milestones that we can get.  She is growing up too fast. 

We also constructed a horse from straw bails,  real saddle and a stick horse.  The kids each took a turn sitting on the horse to get their picture taken.  Lily Grace loved this thing.  Hint, hint Daddy- a real horse would last longer. HA! HA!

Much cake was consumed and several presents were opened and the party came to a close, but the memories of a cute little girl wearing a pink cowgirl hat with a a smile on her face is in our hearts forever.  

This was yet another special time carved out to remind us how very blessed we are.  Lily Grace is such a sweet spirit and watching her smile is absolutely the most fulfilling thing in the world.  Matt and I would move mountains for her.  We cherish parenthood and our little girl.  

Thanks to all of our friends for joining us and making the day so special and memorable.

Until next time....