Wedgie Tales Song

Ellliana is at the age where she likes to sing. I hear it through the baby monitor. I hear it all day long, in the car, around the house, even at the doctor's office, my daughter serenades us with her favorite song. I now hear it in my sleep. And, because she is so remarkably cute in her singing efforts, I had to share it with you as well.

Enjoy the Veggie Tales song, or as Elliana says, "the Wedgie Tales song"!

The beauty of friendship

Recently, my dear friend Kelly brought me roses. It wasn't my
birthday, anniversary or any other special day to acknowledge. In
fact, it was just a Thursday. It made my day.

As I stare at the roses unfold, I am reminded of the beauty of my
female friendships. The beauty of talking, of both big and small
subject matter and the trust knowing those conversations are kept
confident. The joy of laughing about our parenting adventures, and I
admit, our mistakes along the way. The comfort of knowing I always
have an additional shoulder to lean on, even cry on if needed.

I strive to continuously be a better friend to my friends, and I am in
awe and utter appreciation for the friends that God has blessed me
with. And these flowers remind me of that blessing.

Abundance of Blessings

As I look through the photos of our summertime fun so far, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for our lives. Every day seems to bring new joy, adventure and laughter. Family and friends surround us and provide us with love. Each photo captures the genuine smiles on our faces and the happiness in our hearts. And I...am abundantly blessed and thankful!

So far this summer, we have been blessed with a future vacation to look forward to...

A picnic day at the park with Nana...

the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments in our family....

the opportunity to spend time at a local farmer's market, eat yummy food and spend time with family...

In addition, we have been blessed with chasing lightening bugs and free fireworks displays with family...

the opportunity to pose with some very expensive, very cool machinery in Elliana's future school yard.....

the opportunity to watch matching two-year-old friends make a mess of themselves trying to eat popsicles in 90 degree weather...while the moms just laughed....

the joy of riding a trolley at Totter Otterville with friends...

These photos capture not even a fraction of the ways we have been blessed by the Lord. I am abundantly grateful, humbled and in awe of how the Lord continues to provide for our family, and bless us time and time again.

The Why Question

My two-year-old is officially in the "why" phrase of life. Every conversation, story, heck, even every sentence is followed with the simple question of "why." Answering the same question multiple times a day somehow got me thinking of a few "why" questions myself.

For example, why does my two-year old have 34 pairs of shoes?! I'm not kidding. I counted. Twice, just to be sure. And, for once I was actually able to count all of the shoes without being interrupted and starting again.

I think it is a couple of reasons. Hand-me-downs, garage sales, clearance racks, only child and 3 sets of doting grandparents just to name a few.

Why does my daughter have a closet stuffed full of adorable clothing, yet insists on wearing the same few dresses day after day?

I think it is a couple of reasons. Hand-me-downs, garage sales, clearance racks, only child and 3 sets of doting grandparents just to name a few.

Why am I the happy Mommy and wife that I am? That one is easy....because I have been blessed with a wonderful, amazing family. An incredible husband who works hard and encourages me to be a better woman and loves me even when I am not. An amazing daughter, whose intelligence and charm knocks me off my feet. This little miracle constantly growing and learning, praying and caring. Why would I not be a happy Mommy and wife?!

A Hiking We Do Go

Last summer, Elliana and I began hiking with T.J. to help him prepare for his 40-mile adventure on the Appalachian Trail later that year. What began as a conditioning program for T.J., has morphed into a fun, adventurous hobby we can all enjoy as a family.

We began incorporating hiking on vacations, during the weekdays, and almost any time that we could find. And when we couldn't find the time, we began making time for our hikes.

Notice the baby on my back, high above the mountain, amidst the clouds

Daddy and Elliana - Gatlinburg 2010

We have all grown over the past year. Elliana, more physically than T.J. & I, but we have grown as well.

How a princess hikes: in a dress, headband and parent required pants and boots.

Our family

We have learned to embrace the sunny days, hit the trail and grow together as a family. We have learned to take time to skip rocks, inspect roly-poly bugs and pick wildflowers. We have learned to be a bit more laid back, learned to be okay with getting dirty and have even managed to teach our girly girl to jump in puddles.

Photo taken my Elliana. Steadied by Daddy.