Not so scary..

As I make my way back through time by scrapbooking, I am reminded at how fun we all had this last halloween.

Was it really 5 months ago already?  Wow.

I haven't done a two page layout in a while, but I had so many great pictures speaking to me, I decided to make it a double. And I really am glad I did.  I love that I'll forever relive the day by looking at this layout. 

One of the MANY reasons I love to scrapbook!

Please take note

Of the fact that..

Right now I am 7 months old 

and although I am very content sitting in one place at the moment, 

I am gearing up to taking off, really soon.

Now I love just sitting there,

playing with all my toys,

laughing at my big sister,

and watching the puppies play about, 

enjoying all the pup kisses I receive.

However, soon I will be on the move,

crawling to get my toys,

standing up on the furniture, 

chasing after my sister and my puppies.

So watch out world, here I come!

But in the meantime, I will just sit here, 

take in the world around me and

enjoy all the simplicities of being me.

xoxo, baby Rylan

{{{Advisory so noted...love momma.}}}

Birthday Layout

Scott's 38th birthday was a nice family day of fun.  We spent the day in the city, going to lunch and then to the cupcake shop, Mandy B's.  All delicious!  However, when I realized I didn't use this journaling in his 37th birthday layout,  I decided it was all still very true, added one more line and walah!, that became the focus of the page.  Pictures tell a story, but sometimes words need to predominate.  In our house we say "i love you" multiple times throughout the day, but one can never be told too much!

hellooo scrapper!

Settled into the rhythm of life with two kids, I have returned to my favorite hobby of scrapbooking. I have lots to catch up on, but I am going to concentrate on the process which I enjoy so much!  I have decided to start sharing my layouts here on our blog and I am excited to debut the collection with this current (yes, very current) event...St. Patrick's Day 2010.

Makenna Claire {{Three Years Old}}

hello pretty girl!  

Mamma photoshoot #2 was a success!!  You probably can't tell but this little princess doesn't really like to be the subject behind mommy's camera lens.  However, with a little bribery encouragement,  and a lot of luck, we met in the middle.  

Here is my sweet little girl, looking darling as ever.

If pictures can make my heart and soul smile, these do!  And I am so happy her sweetness at 3 will forever be captured. 

Yep, you guessed it...the lollipop was bribery and her treat at the end of the photoshoot.  A little sweetness for this sweetheart!  Love you MC!!  Thank you for bringing such pure joy and happiness to our everyday.  You are an amazing little girl and although it's hard to believe you are three already (sniff, sniff), I am thoroughly enjoying you at three years old! xoxo


And what are YOU about at the magical age of 3??
Hmmm...let's see...I feel like you have left the challenging two's behind and have turned the page to a new chapter..you are more relaxed, not in a challenging mood so frequently, listen better and deal with your frustrations better... and such a delight!  You have idolized Dora, but now all of the sudden you are enamored by THE princesses.  It's all about the pretty (Disney) princesses in your world!  Not sure how that happened but somewhere between Feb 21 and Feb 22,  it did!  You have a new sense of independence and go to the bathroom by yourself and dress yourself.  Daddy taught you that the tag goes in the back so that is the rule you follow.  You enjoy puzzles and can put a 30 piece puzzle together by yourself. Your favorite foods are peanut butter sandwiches, all types of fruits and vegetables, popcorn, fruit smoothies and on most nights, you pick out a popsicle for dessert after dinner.  You absolutely have a music talent... you love to sing, dance, play instruments and can carry a note.  Your favorite bands right now are Indigo Girls, Sugarland, and the songs from the musical production,  Annie. You are such a caring, thoughtful, well mannered little girl....anyone who meets you, comments on your sweet demeanor.  You Makenna Claire, make me proud and I am so lucky to be your momma.  

My babes...aren't they just beautiful!

Makenna Claire 3 years old

Rylan 6 months old

I can't decide which one I like best...the color or the black and white?? 
I love them both but one of them is going to be canvased to hang in our dining room.
This picture makes me giddy......happy dance, happy dance!!!

Six months of growing..

I know I say this every month when I sit down to journal your monthly updates, but really, time just can slow down. now. please. PLEASE.

Yet you continue to be such a growing delight...your personality is evolving, and you are becoming more engrossed in the life around you, emitting such happiness and joy to everyone.

At 6 months old, you are

* 19.2 pounds and 26 3/4 inches long {slight ;) growth spurt, eh?}

* rolling over. And the minute you are on your belly, you roll on your back. "no belly time please," you say.

* an independent sitter.

* playing with your toys and chewing on them with gusto.

* teething..poor guy, tons of drool but nothing to show for it yet.

* eating breakfast and dinner, with 4-5 6 ounce bottles per day.

* sleeping from 7 pm until 6 am, & on most nights you get up for 1 feeding between 2-4 am.

* loving to laugh and play with your sister. If she starts making a funny noise, you try and repeat it. (usually at the dinner table)

* so, so, so, very ticklish. You are probably laughing now just at the thought of it!

* falling asleep in our arms, with your pacifier (and sometimes the froggy lovey) stroking our faces and/or hair. sweet, sweet boy..

* less than 180 days to your first birthday!

Time. Please. Slow. down...

Seriously..

this lifetime opportunity of being a mommy is the best.

Do I have moments where I am frustrated? YES

Do I sometimes wish I can just have 10 minutes to myself to get something done? YES

Do I ever feel like I am so tired, I can't take care of one more thing? YES

But moments with my kids that make me stop in my tracks and say, "this is really cool" are far more frequent than any of the things that make this a difficult job.

This morning, dropping MC off to preschool, M gets out of the car with Miss Sandy (loving this pull up.. drop off thing!), she waves goodbye.."bye momma..love you lots" and blows me a kiss.

Really, is there any better way to start the morning??

And yes, she is calling me momma 80% of the time now and I have to say I find it completely endearing. Just love it and love her so.

Hope you have a wonderful day too!!