Birthdays!!!

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE birthdays, weddings and baby showers! There is something so joyful and pure in all of them. So much hope and so many possibilities. I really do think they are magical and so when it comes to celebrating the day I was able to hold our tiny blessings for the first time I can't help but love every single moment. 

For those who do not know, both Kenlee (3) and Emerson (1) were born on August 13. I do think it is because I said pre-children that I would like to have babies born in any month BUT August because its such a blah month. God has a great sense of humor. Needless to say, it is a very special month for us now!! We get many comments on their birthdays most of which being "they are going to hate that when they grow up!" Lucky for them, they have a mommy that would never let that happen. What a gift to have one another and what a thing to get to celebrate!!

This year, we had a county fair theme for their birthday.

 

  

                                            

 (Our cameras' settings got all messed up for the most important parts.. the pony ride and the cake. Thankfully others caught some of these, but I am still searching for a cake one so excuse the extreme over-exposure!!)  

It was a great party with so many of our friends and family and we are so humbled and thankful for all the people who love our children and are a part of their lives. 

On their actual birthday however, it was just the four of us for breakfast. (Kenlee said it was too early for a real smile. Apparently Emerson and I agreed)

 Not really fans of the hats, but big fans of the cinnamon rolls! (Don't judge me, it is one day a year!)

 Kenlee wanted to go swimming for the day so we headed over to Nonnie and Papa Dells and spent the day with them! (I have many pictures of ya'll mom and dad, but I figured swimsuit pictures would not make for a happy Nonnie or Papa Dell!)

 That night we went to a Rangers game, which was Kenlee's request and she LOVED every minute of it. It is  her "favorite thing" if you ask her right now.

 I remember clearly and vividly the days they were born, and I can't believe so much time has passed!!

Kenlee Grace Daley

 Emerson Scott Daley

                              

     

  I say it all the time but I am just so thankful this life is mine. It is SUCH an honor to be a mommy to Kenlee and Emerson and this is my dream job. I am humbled everyday that Nolan and I get to spend the rest of our lives being their parents. Happy Birthday Kenlee and Emerson!! - Mommy and Daddy

Mischief Maker and School Days

I know every child is different. My children are polar opposites. Kenlee is very calm, orderly, never rarely sneaky, quiet and a perfectionist. This is Emerson..

 Hiding magnets in the cabinets

 Aaaand the crack between the fridge and the cabinets

 Caught

 

 I kid you not, this was taken out, ripped up and scattered around the bathroom in under 15 seconds

 

 This is how my little guy played with toys from the moment he could stand. All of them. All at once. Empty it all.

 

 I would not want him any other way. I am constantly thankful for the boy he is because I KNOW God made him to be exactly the little guy he is suppose to be. I pray to be the mommy to him that he needs and to encourage his little heart daily and discipline him without breaking his spirit. I pray for a wife that compliments his personality and loves Kenlee. 

 Kenlee started her preschool on Wednesday. She is so big and was so ready!

 She likes everything in order and likes to be prepared for what will happen each day. She wanted to know if she will take her bow off for nap, if she can have her water anytime she wants  or if the teacher will tell her when she can have it, if her cubby will ALWAYS be her cubby or will it change and of course, when will it be time to dance.

By our newest of trees so we can watch it and our Children grow.

(excuse or dead and dying grass and the thriving weeds!)

 I said "Kenlee please hold the sign pretty AND smile." she said "I am trying mommy, but the sign is awkward." Clearly.... see below.

 

 This is Mrs. April. Kenlee was a little over the picture taking and asked if I could leave now. WHAT?!?! I love her confidence and try hard to mold a sense of it in her. I do want a strong, brave little girl but I secretly would have loved a little hesitation on the FIRST day.

 I am so thankful for my children and for what they bring to our lives. I am thankful for every piece of who they are and what they are to each other.  Lately my favorite thing is after my very big three year old has put on her own pjs, brushed her teeth and hair, said "I will do it!" eighteen times, picked her own book and probably told me half the words she always says "I love you to the moon and out mommy. You will always be my mommy. Sing me a goodnight song please."

 

Love- Mommy

Strange, but true....

      The day Nolan and I were married really was the beginning of my happiest of days. He is my best friend, my partner in adventures, the father of my beautiful children, and the only person I can imagine sharing all of my days and memories with. I cannot express what a happy day our wedding was for me. 

      After the pots and pans, towels and sheets, pictures and books had found their places in our tiny 500 square foot (fabulously fun and wonderful) apartment, my wedding dress had not. Back to my parents house it went. I remember thinking it was a shame that you only wear it for one day and then it is stored for....??? Right then I decided I am going to wear it every year!! Every anniversary I would wear it, if only for a little bit, even if it was just to vacuum, to have dinner, watch TV or any part of our everyday extraordinary life. So I kid you not, every year I put the dress, the shoes, the veil and the earnings on that I so cherish from our day and we take a quick picture of what is new to our life. I really feel like it is a moment to look at what all has happened in our lives and say a prayer of thankfulness. (And a great way to remind myself that although my body is different 6 years and two children later I consider it a feat to fit  squeeze back in to it!) 

Wedding day

First Year

First apartment

Second year

Second apartment

First Dog

 Third year

First House

First baby!!!

  

 Fourth Year

Almost one year old

Fifth Year

Second baby!!

Two year old!!

 (Playing dress up)

 Sixth year

Three year old

One year old

More dress up!

(real life!)

 

What a life. What Joy. - Christina