Heart of Gold, Locks of Love

Several months before this decision was ever made a very sweet friend of Ayla's came to dance class with a new haircut.  She explained how she cut her hair for Locks of Love.  My sweet girl with a heart of gold was interested in the whys... why donate?  why are kids sick?  do they ever grow their own hair? etc  It led us to videos online of kids ill and kids who donated.  She on her VERY own made the decision to donate.  We talked and I told her we would grow it out a few more months and wait to see if she felt the same.  Over those months she asked weekly when she could donate.

Before

I can't even believe her hair was this long!

She was so proud of her decision.  And loves her new do.  Mommy got emotional.  But, I can't get enough of that cute hair cut.  It just suits her.

So proud of my girl with her heart of gold

Donated 9 inches to Locks of Love April 2014

Its over.

My last team.

9 years.

A chunk of my heart.

I am officially resigned from coaching high school dance.  I am not sure what this next year will look like.  From the time I was married... through 3 kids... lots of ups and downs....

I coached.

But truth of the matter.  That marriage and those 3 kids need me more now.  I am happy and sad.  Dance is a big part of my life.  I don't expect that to change.  I continue to teach at the studio.  But its safe to say I will miss my high school and all their antics.

Choo Choo Abe is two!

So it happened while I was not looking... my little boy grew up.  At least a little.

He is as true to "boy" as I ever expected.

Loud, messy, silly, snuggly, rough & sweet.

Abram Jeffrey at 24 months

weighs a mere 23.4 lbs

His Favorites

Mommy, running, throwing, & mommy

Oh, and throw in a tractor/truck/train and he's got it

Favorite Foods

Cheese, pasta, & fruits

Still a little particular about food, but willing to try new foods

We had a train party for little man and he even got his own train table.  It has been such a wonderful gift.  The girls spend lots of time building and chugging along also.

Quite possibly the only picture within 6 months of just him & I.  

Abe's personality is strong, stubborn, but very loving.  I think he will be a great leader one day.  He makes friends very easily and is social with all.  He speaks well and is gaining new vocabulary every day.  He is pairing 2 words together.  If you don't understand him he gets very loud & persistant until you do!  Abe can count 1-2-3.  Jumps with 2 feet.  And knows a few colors (blue, yellow, green)

We love our little man more than words can express.  I feel overwhelmed with joy to call him mine.  I pray daily for you to use your strong personality for good and to bring others to know the Lord.  We look forward to many more years of fun with you.

Father Daughter Dance 2014

I was able to take advantage of my sweet girls being dressed up to do a small photo shoot.  Im quickly realizing how badly I have slacked in photos this year and vow to catch up.

This was the first dance, or "ball" as the girls say, they have gone to.  I tried not to spend too much on dresses but instead focus on making it special in other ways.  Isn't my sweet girl growing up!

Little Leah wasn't too sure about it all.  But fell in love.  She's definitely a girly girl at heart.

This is my favorite photo of the day.  

I feel so blessed to call them mine.

We can't wait for another special event like this.  

But, hey, what about Mommy-Son?!

A place to lay our heads

We are happy to call this our new home.  Feeling very blessed to feel so comfortable in a new place so quickly.    And the snow on the trees sure looks dreamy, right?

Christmas 2013 in the books

Another incredibly special year in the books.

Feel so blessed by the family and friends that surround us.

Thankful to get to be a mommy, wife, friend, sister, and daughter.

Merry Christmas 2013