The Patch.

It's the tradition.

when the world stopped turning.

Every year the words of that Alan Jackson song enters my mind - 

"where were you when the world stopped turning?" 

I remember where I was, do you? 

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A piece of a tower has made home here and he spent his day honorably taking his turn guarding it.

 The Chinook Helicopter 

 

first day: preschool.

 Molly Jade went off to school. Her first year at Preschool.

She was aglow with so much excitement. There was no asking me to stay or any moments of hesitation. She was brave. She was ready.

She is still my baby. It is hard to see her grow. At least I have another year before she I have to send her off with her brother. Another year to hold her close and have her all mine.

 

Baby Mine.

 Four months.

13lbs. 5oz.

24 1/2 inches

This babe of mine, oh how I love her smile. She lives to have us talk to her, tickle her, and make her laugh. She is getting busy, grabbing for toys, rolling over, and doing the cutest things with her mouth. She will talk to us if we are lucky, the sweetest coos and squawks that come at the most random of times.

Nights are still hard, we can not wait to get a nightly routine down. But once we do she'll leave her little crib in my room and my momma heart will be sad. I do not enjoy at all getting up multiple times at night, but I love hearing her breath and knowing she is there. Oh, my sweet Abby Jane.

first day: kindergarten.

Kindergarten bound.

I thought my momma heart would be at least a bit saddened to see my baby boy reach this milestone. No tears were shed, just feelings of great excitement for him as I watched him grow from what seemed like toddler to big kid over night. He is brave. Braver than I might even be. He's a good boy when he wants to be and oh so smart. The best parts about kindergarten "being the teacher helper, playing with friends, PE, walking home with Lucas".

 

Athen + Lucas

The fair.

Benton Country Fair 2013.

the animals, the food, the rides. they love it all.

but letting me capture the moment is another story. "come on mom, hurry up". 

sometimes it too hard for my AB to muster a simple smile.  

Baby Mine.

Three months. A milestone that marks her first real coos and laughter. Restful nights and sleepless ones as well. She wants to talk to us. We talk back and she smiles as if she knows exactly what we are saying. She giggles when we play peek-a-boo and is trying to roll over. 

Those baby blues are as bright as the sky and they light up the moment she wakes. 

She truly is happy and oh! so special. I can't describe it, but there is something unique about her. My heart tells me that I have no idea what her true potential is. But He does. He sent her here, here to me to be a light in my life and the life of many others.