"No-Shave-November"

Everyone, young and old, male and female

can participate in No-Shave-November

Everly and Dad have stowed their razors...

... and we are all pretty impressed with the

stache that Everly has been able to pull-off 

(thanks to the help of Aunt Gwen & Uncle John)!

3 Months Old!

Just a quick note to celebrate my sweet baby's three month birthday. I love you dearly, Evie Jean!!

Happy Friday!

We have plans to sleep-in and lounge in our jammies this weekend - I am looking forward to it! Looks like Everly is starting early!

Aliyah Says...

Don't be offended if Aliyah ever asks you for a piggie back ride... (pointing at me)
Aliyah: Ride the pig!?

My Marvelous Mathematician

This picture was taken a few months ago...
still pretty stinkin' cute!! My adorable chefs

Who Knew Math Could be So Romantic?!? Thank you Tyler for the sweet email message and the smile you put on my face...

2398 days
Wow sounds like a lot
doesn't feel like it
Oh forgot to mention
2398 days sine we were wed
Cool number 2398 = 2 x 11 x 109
3 strange primes
But enough about that
The first 1509 we had together
you made me smile
I made you laugh
889 with Aliyah
you made me strong
I made you sing
A made you "mom"
79 since Everly
you made me proud
I made you too
A made you dance
E made us complete
I won't count the next 2398
Because every day with you
is the luckiest day for me

Ladybugs on Parade

My October postings are trickling into November's, but I cannot pass up posting about the adventures with our ladybugs!

I have so many beautiful people in my life. And when I say 'beautiful' I am talking about the real deal. The kind that starts deep deep within a soul and busts out, shinning so bright it affects all innocent bystanders if they know it or not.

I am pretty dang lucky to know so many of these types of people. What is even more amazing is that there are lots of these people in my own family!

my aunts are AMAZING.

My mom has four sisters (no brothers) and my dad's brother married a super fantastic woman to add another amazing aunt to the mix. I grew up with five all together. These ladies helped raise me. They are strong, loving, funny and have a bond like no other. Even my aunt who lives the furthest away has had such an impact in shaping me into who I am and what I will become. yes, it's cheesy - but it's true! These women have shown me what it means to stand up for yourself and to stand up for others. To fight through hard times and to celebrate the good.

I know how to have a good time. I know how NOT to cook a pumpkin pie. I know how to feed a baby when you don't have a highchair handy. I know that I have a hand to hold when I try new things (like getting my ears pierced). I know where to find good company for dinner every Friday night. I know that "green stuff" makes an excellent side dish at any family gathering. I know how to grab attention in a crowed room - "Russell?". I know the proud feeling of having the most amazing sorority mama be your aunt (I wish I could share more stories about this, but what happens at Tri Delta stays at Tri Delta). I know what it is like to laugh so hard you wonder if you are going to throw-up, wet your pants, or both. I know what it is like when your aunts and your best friends are the same people.

My mom (who also falls in the amazing & beautiful category) and I got the girls dressed up in their Halloween costumes and drove around the KC area to pass out her handmade trick-or-treats. She is so creative!

Here are some pictures from our visits with them and my dad & brother! My cousin's baby boy joined us the last day (this adventure took all week to complete) and we had fun with him too! Everyone was so sweet providing Aliyah with a fun treat everywhere we went - thank you! Aliyah is still talking about it.

TRICK-OR-TREAT

Halloween 2012

My Little Ladybugs

The girls ended up in ladybug costumes that I pulled together. They were just as cute as can be! Aliyah holds still for pigtails now (we call them "piggies") and requests them often. Piggies make great bug antenna! I wore black and red while Tyler had a pair of binoculars and a net. Three ladybugs and a bug catcher!

Aliyah was so proud to tell everyone about her costume and all about her sister too. She continues to always think about Everly, wanting to always include her too - such a great big sister. Evie smiles at everything - such a bucket full of love and sunshine!

Last night we thought we would take Aliyah to a few homes around ours and that would be it - WRONG! I had no idea Aliyah would love trick-or-treating so much. It was a blast! She would walk right up to a door, knock and give a confident "Trick-or-treat please!" She would always say thank you after. I am not sure how it started, but she ended one house with a big "Happy Halloween!" The young couple oooooh'ed and ahhhhhh'ed and from that point on Aliyah made sure to wish every house a happy Halloween.

I asked her if she was having fun and her reply was "It's so cool. Let's get some more." In fact, she would tell me "Let's get some more." after every house. When I told her I was worried her bag was getting too heavy, she told me, "It's okay. I am getting so strong. I have big muscles" We continued to walk up and down the block while daddy and Everly passed out treats at our house. Aliyah couldn't believe we got to play outside at night, and get treats!

Back home, Aliyah was happy to help pass out treats with dad. Halloween maybe a scary night for some, but it was a pretty magical night at our house. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!