Happy Times

Today I want to remind myself of happy times. And when I've had a day when the baby is crying, the toddler is about to take off her poopy diaper, the kindergartner is asking me how to spell something, and the second grader is threatening utter destruction if she can't watch t.v., all at the same time, I will look at this post and remind myself that I would lay myself in front of a train for these little ones. But, please, let me have an hour of quiet first, ok?






We blessed Kate in our home in September. She was wearing a dress made by her Grandma Colleen. It is so beautiful, inside and out, just like Grandma said she is. It was a special day because cousin Florence was blessed also. I marvel at the birth of every baby. They are true miracles sent from heaven.






Bruce is a stuffed dog we got Rachel for Christmas when she was a year and a half old. I've never seen a child be so excited for something in my life. That was the best Christmas for us as new parents because we actually got a good reaction from her. When we asked her what his name was she said "Bruce", without a flinch or a pause. It was like she knew all along: "If I ever get a stuffed St. Bernard I will name him 'Bruce'." Bruce is her buddy, her pal, and he's as close to a real dog I think we'll ever get. We always get a picture of the new baby with him to capture his enormity and their smallness(i think I made that word up). This is Kate at a few weeks old. Love this dog.






I love this. Heart's a-flutter.





Doesn't it satisfy you when your husband gets a small taste of what you go through caring for infants? Unfortunately, Shawn got a much bigger taste than he bargained for.






I don't know why I've always liked this picture. It's not the best quality, but they both look so cute. This is Rachel when she was 2 years old. She was so brave to get in the water with Dad, and he was so proud to have a brave water baby. I love when I can tell Shawn is at his happiest. It's usually when he can get one of his kids to join him in fun activity. The other day he went on a jog with Rachel riding her bike beside him. He was in Daddy heaven.






I was in Mommy heaven in this picture. I was in the good stage of pregnancy, it was a sunny day(but not too hot), and we were at the park with Dad. We weren't in a hurry to get anywhere. It was a good day.