Dear J

Dear J,

You are funny. You say so many fun things I can't keep track.

Last night you laid in the bath, head under water and said "my livin the dream."

A few days ago Daddy told you we were going camping. You said "my cited! You cited Daddy?"

Last night on our hike you picked up a log about as tall as you and said, "mommy this guy really need talk to you!" With a giggle, I asked what the log needed to tell me. You said "tell you get more potty treats!"

When daddy tells you to put your binky away, you say "not your problem daddy."

You sit backwards in the toilet seat or stand on the toilet seat and pee. While doing this, you say "my pee like a man."

You, little man, are a funny dude. And we Love you for it. 

Dear First Grader

Dear First Grader,

You looked so proud, standing there with your way-too-big backpack. You looked like a genius (which you are), and you had pep in your step as you climbed up on that big yellow bus. 

We looked on as your brother begged to go with, wondering where the time went. Yesterday I asked "how did you become a first grader already?" And you responded with "it happens."

It happens. Life happens. Growing up happens. 

We can't wait to watch you excel this year. We love you so.

Have a great year baby girl. 

Love,

Mama

Dear T, You are 6

Dear T, You are 6 years old. 6 years ago we sat in our living room, quiet and serene, listening to peaceful "coffeehouse" music and you gently entered this world in a big tub of water. Only a few very select family members knew you would be born at home - mainly to protect your over-protective mother from listening to people's commentary. But it was perfect, and you entered this world with a head of black hair and big, bold eyes. Your first few hours at home are unforgettable in my eyes. I vividly remember Pugsly laying right next to you on the bed as I struggled to figure out our cloth diapers. He sniffed you and it was then that he fell in love with you. You laid in bed with Mommy and Daddy for a couple days, and we didn't allow any visitors (except Nana of course) for almost 2 weeks. Our house was quiet and rested, those first few days of your life. As you turn six it is hard to remember those quiet moments. Now our house is filled with a girl who gets wild, a girl who gets sassy, a girl who has a mind that blows my mind, a girl who analyzes her every move, a girl who doens't take anyone's crap, and a girl who is loved. Our house is also filled with a little boy who likes to get crazy - and sometimes I forget what it was like with just you in our lives. Your mind is something that will always amaze me. You have been on-top-of-it since the day you were born, always hitting milestones ahead of when "they" said you should. You love to learn, read, and dig into science. You love to get beautiful - in dresses and makeup. But you love to get dirty, playing in the yard and hiking around. You are an all around girl and we admire you daily. You will start first grade soon. FIRST GRADE. I really can't believe it, but I know you love every minute of it, and that makes me happy. T, you have a soft and kind heart. You also have your Mom's "temper" and your brain keeps everyone on their toes. Thanks for being you. We think you're perfect. Love, Mama

I Do.

We had an amazing time renewing our vows at 7am on the day of our 10th anniversary. I squeezed into my wedding dress and Tatum was the "officiant" asking us if we wanted to renew our vows. We read them to each other and it was short and sweet. We honeymooned at Northern Quest casino and slept in until 9! We had massages this morning and then it was back to reality. 

Just perfect. What a blessed family we are.