Sealed with a kiss

 It started out innocently enough...

But then Makenna Claire had an idea....

And all of the sudden things changed up a bit as she planted a big ol kiss on her brother's cheek. 

At first Rylan thought it was funny 

and then Rylan became beside himself as sister took pride in her successes.

No worry though.... Rylan got her right back.  

First with a light, friendly kiss.

But then went in and did what he does best...a Rylan Raspberry

 and all of the sudden they were even steven.

Happy Valentine's Day from The Case's. 

Hope your day is sealed with a kiss.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Moving right along

In playing catch up to our family album, here is week 2 and 3.  I am so loving this new format and I am so excited to be able to stay on top of this project for once.  And then I can finally be able to work on all those other things on my list...  Ha ha, I know I am only kidding myself.  My to do lists are always longer than my time but hey, one can hope! :)

close up to page 1 

close up to page 2

close up to page 1

close up to page 2

I plan on being back in a day or two for another update (i hope!) and a few more stories.  xo K

Project Life 2013 style

This is my fourth year doing project life and I have to say the finished books are one of my biggest treasures.  I look back on our older albums and it brings what life was like then all back to recent memory.  Recording the funny things the kids did, their silly words, and all the particular details of those days is something that is easily forgotten.  I love that it not only captures the big events but really concentrates on the day to day activities and the little things that really shape our lives.

The only thing is that it does take a lot of time and I always seem to be digging myself out of a hole to get caught up. Something needed to change this year because it shouldn't be a source of stress..right?  I have been struggling as to what exactly that change was going to be so I haven't even started our 2013 album...or put the finishing touches on 2012 (see?).  Eeeks..

However, while the kids were in school yesterday it all became clear to me and I decided exactly what I was going to do. This year, instead of concentrating on getting a photo everyday, I am instead going to log the week's events.  If I have a picture for each day..great.. if not, I am sure I'll have enough documentation for the week.  I also am going to go completely digital which takes out so many steps for me. It finally became clear to me and I was ready to dive in again. I did the first week of year layout yesterday and I already have renewed energy for this much beloved project.

I plan on sharing them here on the blog so hopefully once I can get all caught up, I'll be able to share one every week.   But until then, here is what life looked like for us the first week of the new year.

The complete layout

Here's a closer look at each side.

Left side

Right side

just 10 minutes

As I rounded the corner of the elementary school parking lot, in line with so  many other parents anxiously waiting to pick up their kids after school,  I quickly tried to find MC to make sure she saw the car.  Our eyes met and she came running down the sidewalk wearing her "i am a  very proud kindergartener hat!"  I smiled and welcomed her into the  car telling her she had the best looking hat ever! She then she proceeded to tell me the story of her 100th day of school.  A magical day it was indeed.

We arrived home minutes later and after she ate a quick snack of animal crackers and water I asked if I can have just 10 minutes to take her picture for her upcoming birthday party invitation.
"Sure mom..10 minutes!" So after a quick shirt change and before leaving for swim class,  I snapped a few photographs of my soon to be six year old.

We turned on one of her favorite songs--- Fireworks, by Katy Perry--- and I just told her to show me her sweet smile and do a happy dance.  Click Click Click.....  I so love this girl and her fun, let it all go, personality.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Be still my beating heart. Thank you Makenna...10 minutes for momma gives us a chance to hold onto this moment forever.   Now if only I can get your brother to give me just. 10. minutes.  ;) HA!

Happy February

Hello there February....

Hello to a month that I love.

Hello to Valentine's Day.   Bring on the heart and love decorations and the cute little valentine preparations for our little friends.  And this year, I have two little people with so many friends.  I am already preparing for our very special breakfast to start our day and little trinkets of love for the kids.   Here's posts from 2012 and 2011.

Hello to the month six years ago that made me a momma.  I can hardly believe Makenna's birthday is just in a mere few days.  Birthday planning is in the advance planning stages and fun times are ahead.  Although most days she wants to be 16, she is so excited to be 6.  After all cool six year olds have lots of missing teeth, right?

Hello to the 100th day of Kindergarten (today). MC decided she wanted to make a poster of 100 hearts and she created it entirely on her own. She couldn't wait to celebrate the day at school.  "mom..I will tell you all about it when I come home" she told me this morning as she jumped out of the car and walked the steps to her school.

And hello to a super week, I hope!  With his smile, how can you go wrong, right?

Hope to be back soon! xo K

Nine Years later...

And we couldn't be happier!  

Happy Anniversary baby.  We have been through so many things together and it only continues to bring us strength and more in love.  Our journey has brought us so much happiness and joy and I can only imagine what the future holds for us.  I am most thankful for you and our two beautiful children.  Thank you for being the most amazing guy a girl could ask for.  We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.

I love you, and us. To the moon and back.   xo, Me

Hellllloooo 2013!

Happy New Year.

We enjoyed the holidays and have been loving getting back into a regular routine as well.
Kids back in school,  swim and dance classes are in session and routines reestablished.

As I am working on finishing our 2012 scrapbook album I think it would be better to sum up where I left off by photographs...my favorite way to tell our story.  The end of the year looked a bit like this for us...

 2012 was good to us and I look forward to what 2013 has in store for us.  Here's to another exciting year!