2009

What can I say about 2009? It has definitely been a year that I won't ever forget! It certainly has been a year of loss, grief and sadness on many levels but I was also presented with opportunities this year that were wonderful. I made the decision to move back home which provided me so much time with my mom that I am eternally grateful for! I have seen my relationship with my extended family grow. I feel very blessed to have an uncle, aunt and cousins that care so much about me and my girls! We now are able to share events and experiences that we never had in the past and that means so much to me. I feel I have grown a lot this year. I have found strength that I never knew I had. I must have learned that from my mom because she was one of the strongest women I have ever known. The changing of the calendar won't take away the pain or the sadness that I am feeling but I am encouraged by the future that it will bring. I am excited to see what is in store for me and my girls! 2010 won't be an easy year but with my friends and family standing by me I will be able to make it!

Hard Times!

The last few weeks have been so difficult! I am so grateful that I was able to spend the last 10 months of my mom's life with her and I will treasure every minute of that! Words can't begin to explain how much I miss her, especially on days like today. Mia had surgery on her eye and I know her guardian angel was watching over her. Maybe it's a little selfish of me but I just wanted my mom there holding my hand letting me know it's was going to be okay. Mia is doing okay but I just want to call my mom to make sure that I'm doing everything right. Mom just knew what to say to me to ease my nerves and to encourage me.

Fall Photos

A couple of weeks ago my friend Mike took some pictures of my family. It was real important to us to get family photos with my mom. I love how they turned out! Mike did such an amazing job capturing my mom's beautiful eyes. I will treasure these forever! The fall colors look amazing! There are so many good ones I don't which ones to choose. I wonder who my girls look like or myself for that matter?

Seven

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!!!
My beautiful baby girl turned seven today. Where has time gone? I have been truly blessed to be her mom! She is such as smart, kind, loving and wonderful little girl. It seems like yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. This has been a difficult year for us on many levels but she has been amazing! She thrives at school, she is friend with everyone, she is the world's best big sister and most of all she is a terrific daughter! I love her so much!!!

Snowflake and Kitty Cat

Hailee and Mia outside my parent's house before the big trick or treat adventure.
Hailee and some school friends at the school Halloween Party.

In August, Hailee came to me and said, "Mom, I would like to be a snowflake for Halloween". Um, okay. So began my search of how to make my daughter to become a snowflake. I took a dance costume she used a couple of years ago and sewed some fuzzy, white trim to the bottom of it. Then knowing how cold Halloween can be in Spokane I decided to add warmth to it by throwing on her Cinderella cape. I glued a snowflake over the top of Cinderella's head to make it snowflake worthy. We added a homemade snowflake wand and an ice crystal crown. There you go, a snowflake or snow princess. Mia on the other hand was easy, Kitty Cat costume from Old Navy. Piece of cake! It was another fun year of trick or treating.

Wedding!

The beautiful bride!
The girls sing Taylor Swift to all the guests.

Who needs to hire entertainment when there are eager girls who love to be the center of attention.

The ladybug purse completes the look!

This is the only picture that I got of the couple.

My best friend, Stacy, got married Saturday to a wonderful man, Mike. Despite a lot of rain before and colder than normal temperatures they day turned out beautiful! Mike's parents have a wonderful home on a lake and the ceremony took place on the dock with all the guests looking on from the beach. Stacy looked beautiful as did her daughter Koryn. I had the privilege to make their wedding cake which was a little challenging but I was pleased with the results. All in all, the day was wonderful and I wish the new family all the best!

To Preschool We Go

First Day of School!
I love how her backpack is almost as big as her.

Using a "magnet glass".

At circle with all her new friends!

Mia started preschool this week and she was so excited! Especially since she could take her new backpack! Parents attended the first day to help with the adjustment. I think Mia could care less that I was there. She had so much fun exploring and meeting new friends. I love how she is so confident and jumps right in! She is a lot like her sister that way. I hope this is a trait that will stay with both of them for a very long time!