Now that the dust starting to settle down.....

Now that things are calming down and getting back into a routine somewhat hopefully I can manage to keep up with this blog of mine.  So let's do a little catch up from where we left off.

So back in March we got two new additions to our house.  Two cute sweet little timid kittens.  That was until they got used to us and they decide daily which one is going to be the as I call it "Tub of love" or the "Holy Terror".  (We so should rename them)  But their names are Mojo (my husbands 2nd choice let's not discuss the first) and Sophie (my choice).  Currently today they are both going for the holy terror nickname.  What was I thinking bringing in pretty much 2 toddlers, covered in fur and on four legs?  Of course the husband and the kid caught me in a weak moment.  This picture is from their first day at our house.  They've grown quite a bit now but trying to get them to stay still too get a picture is almost impossible.

So that brings us to the next big event.  Did you notice I used a new word up there ^?  Yeah, I got married back in May and we couldn't be happier.  I married the man of my dreams and the love of my life.  I don't know what I would do without him always there supporting me and cheering me on.  He's the sweetest, craziest, most loving, caring man ever.  And I tell you I can't take him anywhere with out him doing something crazy or setting off every single try me button in the toy section (yes he does and will I just walk away and act like I don't know him or the kid when they do this).  But I wouldn't trade him for anything.  

We were at the mall and yes he put the quarter on and rode it.  I'm telling you guys he's crazy person, but he's my crazy person and I wouldn't trade him for anything.

Our wedding picture.

The summer was pretty uneventful.  Other than a couple water park trips.  But Saturday(2 days before school starts back up)  the kiddo attempted to break her finger.  Thankfully it was good but she did bruise the ever loving crap out of it.  So she's gets to spend a few days in a splint, which let me tell ya it has made doing school work interesting.  

But for now that is all.  I've got to go hide the Caramel Apple Pie cookies I made this morning from the husband or there won't be any left for anyone else.  Recipe here!  :)

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

My Dear Alyssa,

Happy day to you, my sweet girl.  I can't believe how quickly ten years have passed.  Time flies when you are having fun!

Ten years ago today, I held you in my arms for the first time.  I was in awe of you. And already, in your first ten years, you have surpassed my wildest expectations.  You are wicked smart and fantastically funny.  I adore your energy and enthusiasm for life.  You always find the funny and you share it.  I love that.

You have such drive.  I marvel at your work ethic and determination at such a young age.  You set goals and you almost always exceed them.  This will serve you well, as long as you allow yourself to slip up every now and then.  Take it from your long-suffering perfectionist mother.  You will never be perfect, my love.  But you are perfectly human; capable of achieving greatness, but bound to mess up along the way.  Give yourself some slack, girl.

You are a writer, a doer, a dancer, a risk-taker, a dreamer, a performer, and a lover of life.  You do it all with great gladness.  It's like you know a secret that the rest of us have yet to learn.

Keep soaking up life.  Keep your heart and mind open to new things.  You will learn volumes about yourself.  Keep sharing your gifts.  God gave them to you to share.  Keep being bold, but also keep your grateful heart.  It is what holds your feet on the ground.

You are halfway to twenty!  Between now and then, I am sure we will lock horns more than once.  You may disagree with me at times.  Never doubt my love and devotion to you.

Ten years ago today, I looked at your face for the first time and I wondered what your life would hold for you.  Today I am excited to see what YOU have in store for life; the trails you will blaze and the lives you will touch.  It will not be boring and I am thrilled to watch it unfold.

I love you, sweet girl.  I am enormously proud to be your mother.  Enjoy this day and every day.  

Love,
Mom