Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday! I am so thankful for her! My mom has one of the most kind and generous hearts I know. I am bummed to not be celebrating her birthday with her in person, but I know that she's having a great day and really enjoying spending time with my dad. They are going to her favorite Mexican Restaurant for dinner tonight: Lupe's. Oh how I miss that place! They have wonderful tacos and chips and salsa!

Mom I love you and hope that your day is as special as you are! I look forward to the next time we get to hang out and spend time together!

Happy Birthday!

Big Stuff...

My little Monkey is getting so big! He turned 5 months old on Monday and this week he's started really being able to sit (unassisted) for little chunks of time. I was able to capture a picture this morning of him being so big! He gets this big smile on his face and you can tell he thinks he's "big stuff."

I actually think he'd be able to sit for longer, but as mentioned in a previous post, he's a little obsessed with his feet, so once he starts going for them, he topples over on his face, but could care less because he succeeded in grabbing his feet and he's all smiles!

My Little Helper

Madison has grown up so much in these last couple of weeks. She has started making really good choices, all on her own. Her bedtime prayers have become much more sophisticated and empathetic. Her overall personality is just overflowing with joy and she brings me joy each and every day.

As most of you know, I absolutely LOVE to cook and bake, especially for my family and friends. Well, last night Madison asked me if she could help me make dinner. She helped me pretty much with everything except taking things in and out of the oven...she even helped me taste test a few things. It is so fun to have Madison in the kitchen with me. I need to remember to take more pictures because she really does a great job.

Last weekend she helped me make pancakes. She made the batter. She poured the batter on my griddle and she even flipped a few pancakes! She was so proud of herself and I was beaming on the inside. I love spending time with my sweet girl and my heart overflows with pride for this little girl and how special she is!

Hand in Hand...

Can I just tell you that I am the luckiest girl in the whole wide world!?! Sorry ladies, I have found the most amazing man and he's already taken. I was blessed to marry him 7 years ago (July 25, 2004).

Alex is such a loving friend and husband. He is my partner on this journey we call parenthood. He is the leader of our home. He is the one I want by my side, ALWAYS! He is so loving and caring. He melts my heart with a simple smile. He puts butterflies in my stomach when he walks in the room (still). He brings a smile to my face at random times during the day when I think of him. He makes me proud to be his wife and an American with his commitment to the Marine Corps. He makes me a better person. He teaches me new things every day. He not only tells me he loves me, he shows me h loves me. He is a man of integrity and character.

Alex, I love you more today than I did yesterday. I am so blessed to call you mine and to have you by side in all that we do. I couldn't imagine walking through life with anyone else. Thank you for choosing me! Thank you for loving me! Happy 7th Anniversary My Handsome Prince...looking forward to growing old with you, holding your hand in mine and walking through this beautiful life that God has blessed us with!

5 Months Old

Where has time gone...my baby is 5 months old! It really feels like yesterday that I was prepping to go to the hospital to have him. It all feels like just the blink of an eye. I am trying to keep every moment close to my heart. It's nice that my phone now has a camera because I can just keep clicking away, when I forget to bring my "real" camera. Praying these memories stay engrained! I love you sweet boy!

"Feed the ducks and what have you got? Fat Birds!"

A couple of weekends ago, we went back to Santee Lakes so that Madison could "teach" Alex how to feed the birds. It was so precious watching them together and hearing Madison coach Alex..."dad make sure the bread pieces are small enough, you don't want to make the ducks sick."

We had a great time together as family. We ate lunch together on our picnic blanket. We fed the ducks together, and we rested and enjoyed the nice weather together.

Hudson also enjoyed himself. He loves being outdoors...so much so that he fell right to sleep when we laid him on his mat.

Ice Cream Date with Friends

The other day, Melissa watched Madison for me, while I took Hudson to one of his appointments. Melissa took the kids to Baskin Robbins for some Friday afternoon ice cream. Here is a picture she captured....so fun!

Thanks for always taking such good care of my kiddos Melissa! You're awesome!