We run

A few months ago (maybe early march) I started to run. I just decided one day that I needed to do something if I don't want to have to diet. So I started running. Yes, the girl that previously couldn't run to the end of our street! This past Saturday my family ran our first 5k together. We did the color run several weeks ago but mostly walked. This time we ran...the entire way. Caden joined us. Addison ran about half and rode the other half. Brian was a trooper and pushed the girls...thats no joke! Brian and I were both super proud of them! We had a blast running the Go Far race with thousands of other kids and adults. Southwest elementary had a huge showing and it was so much fun to run with these kids. They kept me going when I wanted to quit!

What have we been up to?

In early April Mom, Dad, Mary, Jennifer and I headed to New York City!  It was our graduation present form mom and dad.  We had a great time.  

We saw where the twin towers stood and now a memorial it.  We saw one of the new buildings and went to the museum.  It was powerful and sad.  I still remember the events of that day.

We walked a lot and shopped a lot but saw some really cool stuff along the way!

New Years Eve 2001 Brian and I spent the night together close to hear and took a picture together in this very spot.

 We ate some REALLY good food!  This was dinner at carmines!  It was so yummy.  Possibly one of the best meals I've ever had.

 I was able to FaceTime with the kids in Time Square and the Toys R Us.  They loved it!

Of course I had to check out the Lego store for my best boy!

In NBC I got to sit in the chair. It's a terrible picture of me but still so fun!

 My friend Jenni travels to NYC often and is the cupcake queen so she recommended the best place in town and it did not disappoint.

 We ran in central park one morning.  I had to send B a pic so he could see how cute I was for my run. I had a great time but I sure did miss Brian and the kids!

Dad took the 3 of us on a carriage tour in Central Park.  It was amazing (and cold!)

my cupcake!

Brian was an absolute trooper.  Both girls had the Nora Virus while I was gone.  It was bad.  Very bad.   So bad that mom and I looked into me flying home even though he insisted it was not necessary.  Good thing because it was almost a grand to fly home one way...wow!  Thankfully neither Brian or Caden got it.

Happy Birthday, Caden

Dear Caden,

Seven short years ago you made me a mommy!  I am so grateful that God chose you for me and your daddy!  You amaze us daily.  You talk a lot about God and theology. I'm grateful you are about our father's business and have a hunger to read God's word.

You LOVE baseball!  Every second you can you are outside playing ball with your daddy.  Nothing makes his heart happier.  

You still come home everyday and snuggle with me and I LOVE that. I ask you everyday if you'll still want me to hold you when you're 17.  You tell me you will.   I hope you will.  For now I will just enjoy your last years as a little boy watching you grow into a man of God!

You are so sweet to your sisters and they think you hung the moon!  You are typically looking out for them and if one of them is hurt you always run to get help.  Thank you!

I love you more than words, sweet boy!  

Thank you for making me a mommy!

I love you!

Mommy

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!  

Happy Birthday, Collins Lea!

Dear Collins Lea,  

Two years ago you made your early entry very quickly....little did we know this was so much of your sweet personality.  When you are ready to go somewhere you will sit at the door with your shoes on and wait for me.  When you're ready to eat you wait at your highchair and say, "my seat, Mommy".  

God created you....a masterpiece.  Please don't ever lose sight of that!  He has an amazing plan for your life and I'm thankful he chose me to be your mommy!  I know he has big things planned for you with as much spunk and love as He has given you!  Everyone loves you and we all agree that you are so funny!

Some of your favorite things right now are lollipops, baby dolls, The Fresh Beat Band and playing outside.  You think your brother and sister are the greatest thing ever.  You try to do everything they do and keep up with them.  For the most part you do. You are very independent but still LOVE for your mommy to carry you around.  From about 4-6 each day I carry you around....I LOVE it!  You won't ask me to do it for long.  You are both a Mommy's girl and a Daddy's girl!  When Daddy gets home every day you queal and run to him.  You insist on going with him while he gets out of his work clothes. 

Everywhere we go everyone loves you and thinks you are so funny!  I couldn't agree more!  You love going to school and when it's not a school day you cry when we leave but are happy as soon as you know we are going to see Grandma (and that she'll have Chick-fil-a for you!) and head to BSF!

Happy Birthday, Collins Lea!  We love you more than words can convey!  I'm thankful God chose you to complete our family in such a spectacular way!  

Love,

Mommy

23 months

How is it possible that this angel is 23 months?!?!? I can't believe my days of having a baby are slipping away. Bittersweet for sure. I'm looking forward to what God has for us in this next season of life!

Wait, where did these come from?

Here are a few pictures I found on my phone taken by Addison!