Congratulations Adam and Kristie!

Tessa's First Smiles and Blessing Day

Collin's Baptism

Tessa Arrives

Tessa is one week old. She is healthy and beautiful. We all love her so much. Now our family feels complete. I am cherishing every moment of caring for my little girl. Love to all.

Owen's Candy Land Birthday Party

When I asked Owen what he wanted for his birthday he said, "Candy." And his favorite thing to do right now is play board games. So we celebrated with a Candy Land birthday party.

Here are some pictures of the kids building the Candy Land castle, fishing at Snowflake Lake, eating the licorice forest, moving to music at Lollipop Woods, tossing beanbags at the Gingerbread Tree, and gathering peanuts for Gramma Nut's kitchen.

We also went for a hike in the Gumdrop Mountains (our staircase) while balancing large gumdrops on a spoon. We never got to the finger painting in the Chocolate Swamp. (I ran out of time to make the pudding.) But I can do that later with just Owen.

Anyways,  I think the kids had a good time. Owen loved his Candy Land cake, especially the bubble gum castle. Thanks to all who came to celebrate with us. It was fun to spend the day with family. I love you, Owen. Everything about you is my favorite. Happy 3rd birthday!

Toward the end of the party Owen actually came down with a fever and fell asleep. You can see him starting to crash while sitting on his dad's shoulders. Poor little guy. That's the worst to be sick on your birthday. Not to mention he probably exposed everyone at the party. (So sorry everybody.) 


But the next day he was feeling better, Owen put on his new superhero dress-up (a favorite birthday present) and started jumping off the stairs. He was feeling quite powerful. And, I kept all the Candy Land props in the dramatic play corner of our play room so we can party on.

I've Got a Girl in My Belly

When the ultrasound lady told me it was a girl, I didn't say anything. I just cried. I was so relieved and happy. My mom bought me pink balloons and I cried again. I tied them to my mailbox. Tonight I bought girl baby clothes. Three outfits for $24 at Walmart. I couldn't resist...the shirt had butterflies in rainbow colors and came with purple pants. This is fun.

But can I really do this? Will I know how to raise a girl? I feel like I'm a brand new mom all over again. I'm due June 3. Advice is welcome.

Merry Christmas!

My family and I went down to Trolley Square yesterday. Merritt and I met there almost nine years ago. Collin said, "So Dad. This is where you came when you only had $5 left in your pocket?" Merritt used his last $5 to get into a dance there...and the rest is history. Collin wanted us to show him exactly where Merritt and I were standing when we met. Then Collin stood there. He looked up at us and smiled.

We still don't have much more than $5 in our pocket. But we have three and a half kids. They are my treasure. My favorite movie of all time is Family Man. It's a modern-day version of the classic It's a Wonderful Life. I watch them both every Christmas. It's a ritual. And, every time I cry. I'm just so grateful to have a husband and a family. Nothing else matters. My sister took this photo of us. Love, and a merry Christmas to all!