Lincoln Log Love

This Christmas my Dad picked up these Lincoln Logs

for Ella. I know that sounds pretty normal, but it's not.

I can't remember a time that my Dad ever handpicked

a gift for my Mom or I.  He always gave me more than I deserved 

growing up, but this is a different kind of man I see more

and more of lately that shows me the effect

grandchildren must have on a man and his heart.

 I can't help but guess that he was having fond memories of my Grandpa

Nick when he bought these. This was one of the toys that I remember

playing with in Grandpa's floor on a Saturday, and when Dad would come

to pick me up he would get down and help me finish whatever it was

I was trying to build as Grandpa looked on from the kitchen.

So, Ella and I finally broke these out for the first time tonight.

What do you think of our sweet frontier cabin?

I forgot how much I loved Lincoln Logs.

Wow, I started this post just to show a quick picture of

what I built with Ella. I didn't intend to get all emotional

over Lincoln Logs. It's funny what triggers a memory.

Thanks, Grandpa Jay.

Berry Yummy

Ryder tried strawberries this weekend and loved them.

This is new to us, having a child that likes fruits and

vegetables without being forced.

He liked them so much that after I stripped him down

and was starting his bath water, he took off down the hall.

I found a sweet bare naked baby with a red face full of strawberries.

Happy Easter to Me

Ella picked out a little Easter present for me one

day when she was with her Grandma Cindy.

I love it, and she was so proud to help me plant it tonight.

We picked a prime spot right in the front of the house.

Resurrection Sunday 2012

We started out the morning with mass to celebrate this glorious day.

Christ is Risen!

We picked up Grandma Joni and got there just in time to find a seat,

which didn't last for long since it fell right at Ryder's morning nap time.

That's okay because he and I hung out outside and listened to the beautiful music.

Then we spent the rest of the day enjoying the beautiful weather with family.



Happy 29th with Cake and Love

Since Brandon's birthday fell on Easter Sunday this year,

we made sure to make a special cakes to bring along

to both our family gatherings to celebrate.

Ella even got to go for a little ride with Dad on uncle Bryson's

 four wheeler. Shh, he is in Tennessee and doesn't need to know.

Tee Ball, Maybe.

Ella had her first Tee Ball practice today and this

is really the first time she had ever done a sport or activity.

We asked her if she wanted to join dance. "No, I don't want

people to watch me dance." I figured we would get a similar response

when I asked her about tee ball, but she was excited and had been 

practicing in the yard since we told her about it.

Well, slightly different story today. I woke her up this morning

and told her she had her first practice today, She told me " Mom, I changed my mind.

I really just wanted you to buy me a new bat and tee. I don't really want to play."

Oh no, don't think so. So I finally convinced her that the only way

to keep her new tee ball gear was to actually play, and that she would love 

it once she started. I am not one to force kids into activities, but once you sign

up I feel she should follow through. After 10 minutes of convincing, a few tears,

and one Momma almost throwing in the towel, she decided to join

the rest of her new teammates one the field. She actually hit really well,

and I even caught a few smiles when she thought I wasn't looking.

Happy Birthday Alyssa Ryann

Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

Here is a random trip down memory lane to both

make you feel old and brighten your day.

Love you to the moon and back.