Our Little Princess

I love this picture!

My sweet Gracie-girl

Now you can see why we love her smile.

Ready to blow out the candles

The King, the Queen and the Jester!

Snow White...another dress to add to her collection!

Gracie with her singing Barbie...

Gracie is four now. The time has passed quickly. I was looking through old photos while trying to organize at the same time. I found myself flipping through all of them again and again...trying to remember what each day may have been like. I definitely remember the day Gracie was born, because she just couldn't wait! ( that was an intense 45 min.) Gracie has always been a girly-girl. She loves princesses, pink, lip gloss, high heels, dancing...the list goes on and on. She's also very independent, heaven forbid you flush the toilet for her! (that's another story). But through all of the drama, Gracie is such a sweet girl. She loves her brother Jake, and big sister Emilee. I think she wants to be just like Emilee when she gets bigger. Gracie helps to remind us of the simple pleasures, like playing, reading, coloring and picking flowers. We are grateful for Gracie and her smile. I just wish I could experience those first few years with her again...those were good times but busy times(with four kids)and I often wonder if I payed enough attention to all the little things she did. Gracie has helped me to recognize some of those things that are most important, like being there and responding when they look to you for approval after they've done something, or smiling when you see them come in the room, instead of acting like you're being bothered...even spotting the butterfiles way across the street in the neighbors yard while they dance around the flowers. I would be an empty shell of a person without my kids...they help me to be better, try harder and love deeper. Happy Bithday Gracie girl...we love you!!

My Little Man...

Trying to blow out his own candles

Licking the cake at Riley's request

The gang

Obviously not a fan of having his picture taken..he wanted to play in the cake!

He's two! I know, not very old in comparison to life expectancy, but old when you consider that he's my baby. I love watching Jake grow up and seeing his face when he has finally figured out how to do something without my help. It honestly seems like yesterday when I went in to have him. He was a perfect baby and continues to be the highlight of the evening when we're all hanging out. The older kids love to watch him and laugh at everything he does. He definitely knows how to put on a show! He's a very sweet boy and tends to remind me that patience is a virtue...one quality I am still working on. I love my "little man" and things wouldn't be the same without him. Happy Birthday Jake, WE LOVE YOU !

This ride has come to a complete stop...

I'm finished with Breaking Dawn. I must confess, I honestly didn't know what to think of these novels that everyone kept telling me I should read. I know how I am when I read...I knew I couldn't find the time to pick up a book, for fear of getting too consumed. My life was busy and overwhelming, so I waited. My sister has been convincing me to read these books since last year!

After the summer came to an end and school was back in, I knew I could find that window of time to read again. So I picked it up...little did I know that it was never a matter of finding time, but making time. It has been some ride since I turned that first page. Her attention to detail is incredible. I could honestly see and smell, even taste all of the things she described! Some have mentioned the authors tendency to go on and on, but I appreciated the specifics. It brought it to life. The characters are endearing, because, even if only in some small way, you can relate to what they are feeling. No matter who you are or where you come from, what your physical preferences are, or social standing...everyone can relate to love and being in love and the pain and joy that comes with it. We naturally want to be happy and if we really love someone, we want them to be happy too.

Though I know Edward was described as one of the most beautiful things Bella had ever seen, I believe most of what we admire in Edward's beauty is his love for Bella and his willingness to sacrifice for her happiness. Who wouldn't want that?

So even though Edward may not truly exist, anything is possible when it comes to love.

Now that this ride has come to a complete stop, I'll wait in line for the movie. Hope it satisfies!