A letter to Julia

Dear Julia,

When I think of an 8 year old I don't think of a baby or little kid, I think of a child that's growing more independent. She is strong and confident. spreading her wings and getting a little taste of the real world

 yet she's still so innocent and carefree. she hates to admit it but she still depends on her mommy for butterfly kisses to make scraps and cuts to heal or her daddy for tucking her in at night and checking under the bed. Her laugh is one of the greatest sounds of the world, it's that belly jiggling giggle that is so contagious. She believes in the good in everyone she meets and holds her family so close to her heart. Her sisters are her closest friends and biggest fans.

 Age 8 is that age that makes me want to cry for hours and cling tight to all the baby pictures and memories. I will never get that time back again and I will forever miss it. your missing tooth smile and the way you mispronounce words or reach up to be held. The times I had to cut up your food and buckle your seat belt. your growing up and I know your going to roll your eyes at me when you read this someday but you will always be my baby girl. The one that choose me to be her mommy. as sad as I am that time is flying by I am so excited to see what the future holds for you. daddy and I both agree that you will turn out to be an amazing person but your strong will and that brain of yours is going to make this ride one bumpy road with a lot of ups and downs. no matter how much you fight and rebel and eye roll and talk back we would not trade you for the world. remember we fought hard to be your parents and that is a job we will see through. just do me this one favor Don't ever change. keep that smile, laugh, big heart and love for us because those are my favorite things about you and what makes you THE JULIA.

Love,

Mommy

p.s. Happy Birthday

Lucy and Samantha

Samantha wanted more a studio look with her pictures of her and her little girl Lucy.

we added grandma into one too to get a three generation shot. I love LOVE love how these turned out!

 

 Then we did a few of just Lucy for her first birthday 

 Samantha and I have made comments over and over about how much Lucy and Stella look alike.

I still can't get over it! 

they could pass for twins if Lucy had a tiny bit more hair and Stella would actually gain some weight :P

family reunion

 it's been a long time since all four of my mom's children were under the same roof.

My super hero Brother is stationed in Alabama and my super smart brother just finished his masters in Math up at Kent state. so When Gage was on leave Jarrod made sure he could carve out a few days to come visit too.

we celebrated this rare occurrence at dinner with my dad then we headed back to my moms for smores.

It's funny to think back when we were little and how much we fought and got on each others nerves.

slamming door, screaming at each other, driving my mom nuts!

 But 

now I would give anything to spend more time with them.

Jarrod has always had the brains but he also has these idea that just seem rediculas but makes you want to try it out anyway. he's never dull.

Gage is probably the funniest person you will ever meet. he gets along with everyone and make you feel like his best friend. 

Jeri lynn is our baby that we all feel responsible for and she like to rebel against us as much as she can but deep down she depends on us :P

They are so protective 

and doing some great things with thier lives.

to say I am proud is really an understatement.

This family reunion was supposed to happen last christmas but the Army likes to change things last minute.

But befor that we had planned to do a christmas present for our mom. we wanted to recreate her favorite picture of us. 

it's from a family vacation to the niagra falls back when I think I was 13 or 14?

we went out to dinner and were waiting for a table. so mom pulled out her camera and snapped it.

she used this photo as our christmas card and framed it and it still sits on her mantle in the living room to this day.

it's so funny to see how much we changed and yet how much we still look the same.......

so merry LATE Christmas mommy :P

I grew up with these three crazy people

and it's becasue of them I will always look back and say I had a great childhood.

I only hope my own daughters stay as close to each other as we have. 

p.s. I do have three other sisters and brother that mean the world to me. I don't want to forget about them. they know I love them just the same. :P

and if daddy wants us to recreate a photo of all his kids we will. 

just want to put that out there so I don't feel bad.

spoiled

Big Thanks to Alicia and Abby!

they let us come with them to the children's museum last week.

and did we have SO much fun!!!

I am thinking this one may end up in my countdown of favorite photos of the year! 

here is 2012 and 2011

loving it! I am such a sucker for vintage 1950's anything and my girls of course :P

Mr. Korben came with us and he had so much fun too. 

he actually fought me to get into the stroller and that has NEVER HAPPENED!!!!!

love his smile!

I am so blessed to have such great people in my life that allow us to join them and share in all the fun.

Thanks so much Alicia for spaghetti dinner, trip to the zoo & the museum! you guys are the best! We are so spoiled :P

Summer

Sorry it's been couple of days!

But it's SUMMER!

So I have been busy!

 

We love Summer!

lots of outdoor time and parks and places to visit and plans to get to. 

hope your having a good start of my favorite time of year!

I promise not to disappear on you all. I will update but forgive me if I miss a day here and there.