Happy Mother's Day! (and get some tissues)

Happy Mother's Day!  A precious day for moms and a tear jerker for those who still want to be called 'mom'.  I know because it took 3 years to concieve my little angel.  We continue to pray and hope for another baby.  I know that God has everything under control.  I hope and trust daily that we will be blessed with another child.  However, on this day my heart goes out to many friends who still long for children.  It can be a heart breaking road to travel and somewhat lonely too.  Hope is what keeps you going. 

Words can not express how much I love this little girl.  Or how incredibly grateful and lucky I feel to have her in my life.  What an honor that I get to be Katie's mom!  Thank you God!

Here is one of the most precious gifts I have ever received. 

My husband and parents are pretty special too!

I mean, seriously, God just picked this little angel and gave her to me?!?!

This week we were to celebrate my birthday (29 of course) and Mother's Day in Daytona with my parents. 

Well, my little Katie caught a virus and was very sick for about 4 days.  We didn't really celebrate my birthday and sitting on the couch for 3 days was not how I wanted to spend my weekend.  BUT....let me tell you what I learned! The most important thing my world is KATIE! What better way to demonstrate my mother's heart then by taking care of her when she feels yucky.  It was sad to cancel plans, but Katie needed me.  I got lots of hugs and gave lots of kisses.  And today we even got some smiles and giggles. 

I found plenty of time to edit pictures of Katie!

I love this one! 

And this one...

So on this Mother's Day I pray for my friends to become moms.  I pray that moms will cherish and treasure their children above all else in their lives....  Children are a blessing from God. 

Thank you Mom, for loving me unconditionally. 

Because of your example I know how to love Katie unconditionally.

I had always hoped I would be a great mom like you.

 I am so grateful to have such a wonderful mom (and dad). 

 I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

What a Life!

Oh what a charmed life we live!  Katie is growing up so fast.  I feel like she can do so many new things lately.  I remember her first big accomplishment (for me) was smiling.  There is something about that newborn looking up at you and smiling for the first time that I will never forget.  Well, this girl smiles a lot....that is for sure.  She is one happy girl!  She doesn't always want to cooperate with the camera or perhaps..its the photographer, but I can usually catch a good smile.  I love capturing her smile!

Pure joy!

Oh yes, I caught that fabulous grin in motion! (I love my camera!)

We have been going to the park weekly to bike ride with friends.  She has so much fun playing with her friends.  Going home is usually a heart breaker.  Oh yes, there are tears. 

I loved this shot.  I mean, her hair is a mess (in a mother's opinion) but it looks so cute just tossed about by the wind.  She doesn't have a care in the world.  And that is how it should be! 

Just being a kid and having fun!

Down in Hyde Park there is a big fountain and everytime we go we throw in a few pennies. 

 That girl is the sunshine in my life!  God sure knew what He was doing when He put her in my life! 

Since this is basically my journal about my life as mom I suppose I should add some details so I don't forget.  Katie is changing right before my eyes.  We are going to start preschool with her at home.  I have done some of the ground work already.  She knows and has known for sometime now the letters and sounds (phonics).  She can read some simple books that we have read together.  I know she is memorizing the pictures, but she is using many pre-reading skills.  Last month she started writing her name.  Now she writes 'Mom' too!  She folded up a piece of paper, smeared some glue on it, closed it up, and gave it to me.  It said MOM on the outside.  You know I will probably keep that little folded up piece of paper forever! 

Katie absolutely LOVES animals.  Mainly elephants.  She prefers watching kid style documentaries about real animals over cartoons.  She's so smart.  I am very excited to start homeschool with her.  I registered with FPEA so I can attend the Homeschool Convention at the end of this month.  Technically, she would start PreK-4 this Fall, but her birthday is 2 weeks late.  Good thing her mom is a teacher!

Katie has also told us that God lives in her heart.  Now of course I realize how young she is and that she does not truly know what she is saying, but I do pray that she will come to know the Lord at a young age.  She is so precious and has learned to rely on God already at the age of 3.  If she is scared or sad, or even hurt she will ask me to pray or remind me that we can pray. 

What more can a mother ask for? 

I am so richly blessed!

I guess that's it for now...