Mother's Day and Gotcha Day Anniversary

I simply adore my mom and aspire to be half the mother she is. She is the definition and the epitome of a great mother. Plus, I'm blessed with the sweetest mother-in-law! When Jake was a baby, he said "mama" for the first time on Mother's Day, and Ava was placed in my arms on Mother's Day. I hold this day near and dear to my heart. Happy Mother's Day to all of you, and for those who are waiting, hold on, your day is coming. I pray that prayer for you.

Mother's Day 2009

Mother's Day 2007 - Gotcha Day
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Ode to Ava

(written with love, by your lucky mother)

Your are my beautiful daughter

born in a country afar

The selfless act of another

life with you, my shining star

Conceived in the core of my heart

my sweet blessing from above

Cherished moments and memories

joyous laughter, dreams, and love

Two years we've been together

it's been a beautiful start

You're such a joy-giver and

bring fullness to my heart

I love you Ava Mei-li

you're precious as can be

We love you to the moon and back

your forever family

Love,

Mommy

One of my favorite Ava-isms is when she's trying to ask us if we're
happy for her or proud of her she'll say "Are you happy of me?"

Yes my sweet Ava, "We're very happy of you!!"

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Favorite Foto Friday

My favorite "Fillies"

On Friday, the fillies ran in the Oaks, and on Saturday the thoroughbreds ran in the Derby.  Here are my favorite "Fillies" from  Derby weekend.  My beautiful and classy mom! I'm so glad we got to celebrate Derby together! Wish I would have gotten a picture of my mother-in-law, because she's a classy fillie too!

and my reflective little "Fillie"

See you next week...

Spending today doing this...

Spending tomorrow doing this...


Had to change my picture as y'all got the wrong idea -- I'm not going to the Derby but hosting a Derby get together tomorrow for family. With a 70% chance of rain, I'm glad I'll be "TV-side" rather than track side. Derby Festivities actually start 3 weeks before the 1st Saturday in May. But the most fun is the week leading up to Derby! Will you be watching the fastest 2 minutes in sports tomorrow?


After church on Sunday, we're doing this...


We're going to have a no computer day for the family! See you next week, and hope you all have a great weekend!

Opening Game

It was a beautiful 75 degree morning for Jake's opening game! This is his last year for coach pitch and he'll move up next year to a league-size baseball diamond. It's also the last year he'll be on a coed team.

Don't you just love seeing the pink bats and the pink glove? Too cute!

Gotta run as we have a packed afternoon/evening. Enjoy the beautiful weather and I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Siblings and an "Over the Moon" Referral

Do you all ever have those "Calgon-take-me-away" moments when the kids are bickering and pestering each other just for sport?  I know I have them in my household.   And then, there are moments when they swimmingly and tenderly get along.  Those are the moments and memories I love to capture...

Ava "reading" to her big brother.  And wow, what a story she made up :)

Big brother hanging on every word!

A proud big brother!

Speaking of siblings, cutie-patootie Leah is about to get a precious mei mei.  My sweet and dear friend Melissa, just got the referral for her beautiful daughter Kate.  Isn't she adorable?

Please visit Melissa's blog "Over the Moon"  to wish her well and follow her journey.  Melissa is eloquent, positive, and always optimistic.   You'll just love reading her blog.  Melissa, congratulations to your beautiful family!!

Favorite Foto Friday