Me & Mine

January 18, 2012

Compare

I haven't done a comparison shot in awhile of these two sisters. These aren't exactly the best pictures to be comparing, but I just looked back to when Ella was 18 months old. It's hard to believe Madeline is the age Ella was when Tom first left for Korea. I am starting to think he just doesn't want to be around for this crazy 18 month old stage;) Maybe the thought of potty training scares him? I used to think the girls looked a lot more alike, but I can now tell that Madeline is really looking more and more like her daddy:)

Ella 18 months old

Madeline 17 months and 28 days. haha

January 17, 2012

Sporty Spices

Loving the weather we have been having here this month. We try to take full advantage of the nicest days and play outside. These girls keep me on my toes without a doubt. Ella is really into hopscotch lately (brings back memories of elementary school and recess!) and it's fun to watch her draw the board and try to write the numbers. They both love tee ball and Ella particularly loves to boss Madeline around, instructing her to chase the ball every time she hits it far. If only Madeline listened that easily;) She's usually too busy trying to steal the bat yelling "mine mine mine!!"

And yes, Ella dressed both herself and her little sister. I'm digging the sporty spice look.

January 16, 2012

Beach Day in January

Yes, you read that title correctly! And I love it. Last year around this time this is what we were doing...

Building snow playpens in Oklahoma.

And this year we are having fun doing this at Clearwater Beach on a gorgeous day:

"Ummmm ma? Can I get a push?"

75 degrees out, clear blue skies...I love FL

We picnicked on the beach!

Yummy caramel rice cakes:)

And yummy apples and peanut butter

The girls enjoyed ice cream

We walked down to the water...

to go on a seashell hunt.

They loved the water which was freezing!

I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable days I have had with the girls! They were so well behaved, happy and sweet all day. On the drive home I looked in the rearview mirror and saw my two peaceful, sleeping daughters and thought to myself "I want a dozen more of them"...but I hope God throws in a boy or two along the way;)

January 15, 2012

It's been a year...

...and I still miss you. The pain is very raw from losing you. I feel that ping in my heart when I think about those last few days with you and I wish more than anything you could run into the house on your four little legs and come snuggle with me. But I know that will never happen again. It feels like yesterday that I wrote my blog post about you. I miss my little buddy, my sweet companion. Ella asks all the time to get a new black dog and to name her Riley, but don't worry...you're not replaceable. I hope with some more time this gets a little easier. Maybe another 365 days will go by and I won't cry big crocodile tears thinking of you. For now, I'll let them fall silently. A friend posted this beautiful article the other day and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

After I read that, I had a little a-ha moment. From the second we picked Riley out of the litter to the morning she passed she was a loving little pup. Never hurt anyone. Never bit, always protective and sweet (although quite the barker if you came close to my girls). With Ella and Madeline, from the time they have been able to walk, I am continuously teaching them and reminding them to "be nice. be sweet. No hitting, no biting, no pinching." I never had to teach Riley those things...she came into our lives as sweet as pie and stayed that way always.

I found a few pictures from back in the day with her as well. It was from when we lived in Germany. Think pre-babies so she was OUR only baby. It was nice to find them and reminisce on those years we had with her. It made me smile and well...I definitely needed that.

I think I napped with her daily. :) She was the perfect snuggler.

See? Tom really did LOVE her.

She hated the cold weather in Germany, but refused to leave the house in one of the many sweaters/jackets we had for her.

Miss you Riley Roo!

January 1, 2012

Hello 2012!

Happy New Year! I think this picture above describes how I am feeling perfectly. Goodbye 2011...hellllllo 2012! I have to say I think it was one of the hardest years I have yet to experience in my 31 years of life. Between my precious dog passing away suddenly in the beginning of the year to my husband being deployed in the middle of the year...I was very ready to end the year. The one good thing about 2011 was moving home to FL. Because after seven years of living nowhere near family, it feels good to be surrounded by them and my closest friends.

There are so many positive things to look forward to and keep us smiling this year. Lots of weddings, babies being born (not any belonging to us of course), Tom coming home for R&R in the spring, Ella's first dance recital in June, and of course, the most important of all...the deployment ending and Tom coming home this summer for good. The girls and I are anxiously awaiting that one!

I am hoping and praying this year is a heck of a lot better than last. So here I am, raising my glass of diet, decaf green tea (did I mention I am trying to be healthier? *chomping on Hershey's Kisses*) in a quick "cheers" to all of my readers: May 2012 bring us all many blessings, joy and love.

Just about the cutest, sweetest New Year's Eve date ever.

December 30, 2011

Bouncing Babes!

These girls love to bounce. Whether it's the couch, a bed, a trampoline arena, or a bounce house...the girls have a blast every time jumping around like crazy kids. Is there anything better than happy children?

I love these chicks! Oh and their Daddy bought them their shirts...he's so fashionable;)

December 26, 2011

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas. The girls LOVED opening presents. Each of them excited to see what the other one received. Daddy was able to Skype with us as well and watch the whole gift opening experience. The girls had to show him each and every present. It melted my heart and made me want to cry. I wish he could have been there in person. I kept thinking back to last year when he opened up the coffee mug Ella had painted for him and the hug he gave to her. I know he misses his girls desperately and wants nothing more than to be home with us. Two out of the last three Christmases we have had to Skype with him. Next Christmas will be different though. He will be able to spoil them with all the hugs and kisses possible! Until then, we survived the day surrounded by family, gluttony, and lots of new toys to play with. Very grateful it's over though and looking VERY forward to starting a new year!