I am amazed the path God put me on before I knew I was on one. I am amazed He was working in my life before I "let" Him. The path along the way not only led me to Him but, He blessed me with a wonderful husband. Who has been very understanding through the last almost 8 yrs. More specifically the last 6.... when we were blessed with our first baby. The many emotional ups and downs parenthood takes you through. I was excited for her to start Kindergarten this year, but I don't really want to let go. It saddens me, my baby, just isn't anymore. I vow to hold you and sit with you to play...every time you ask me to. Because, that is a request I always want to hear. I love you, dear Rayleigh, my favorite little girl in the whole wide world.

Locks of Love

We were planning on getting Rayleigh's hair trimmed before school. I had in my mind maybe 2 inches. Tim was looking at her and asked if she had enough to donate. My first thought was can we really do that without bawling. (Me, not her) Tim thought it would be an oppurtunity to teach her a valuable lesson. So we talked to her about it. Then the night before her and I sat down and looked at the locks of love website. She, of course, wanted to know who they were and what their names were. Rayleigh also noted, that they were all still smiling. Those kiddos have lots of courage, a level I may never reach in life. Or, prayerfully, even be challenged with. Love you my Rayleigh!

Valentine Getaway

My dear sweet Tim had surprises up his sleeve for Valentine's Day. He surprised me with a dozen roses at the gym and he sent the kids something as well. Rayleigh and Chance had been begging me all day for a balloon. As soon as we get there they saw shiny balloons and a bear for her and a dinosaur for him. Excited they were! He was disappointed that the florist didn't send lavendar roses, but they were still beautiful. He also surprised me a stay at The Grandison, Bed & Breakfast. Fantastic!

Welcoming Our NEW Edition

After a lot of thought yesterday morning, Tim and I decided to have our family grow! So last night he brought home our new baby boy. Rayleigh loves him and Chance is not to sure about him. He is a lil weiner dog named Rambo. However, Rayleigh can't say Rambo and she calls him "Rainbow". He follows Rayleigh all over the house and won't hardly come to me at all unless she is right by me. Hope it all goes well because it is looking like an automatic bond between the two of them!

Big Boy!

SO, CHANCE HAS TURNED ONE! We went last Thursday and got him his first haircut. Very sad, very exciting. He did extremly well, I was surprised. Daddy held him while the clippers went to work.



One last look at it all!


Buzzzzzz............


Now that's a mohawk!


Are we sure about this?


Seriously, we sure?


Big Boy *sniffle*

Rayleigh's 3!

We had Rayleigh's three year old birthday party today. The kids all seemed to have fun, some of the parents didn't seem to sure about letting them dive in. We had a bunch of paint and chalk set up for them in the garage. Surprisingly they didn't get as messy as I had anticipated them getting.

halloween

We had a frog and a princess this year. Rayleigh has really been into princesses here lately. If I could figure out how to be a little more handy I may make their costumes next. (great big laugh for those who know me!) Rayleigh had a really good time. We went to the pumpkin patch where they had different little stations, they were trying to help Dora find Nemo. One night they had a Trunk or Treat at the school. Then we took her trick or treating to a few friends houses. We ended the evening at Paige's house where Rayleigh and Maty took turns handing out candy. However, if Rayleigh thought you were scary, she wouldn't give you any!