Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful Christmas! On Christmas Eve, we had dinner with our dear family friends the Richards...my other parents! We went to church at 6:30 with all the Grandparents...very special time. The girls did very well at church. At the end, Jessi yelled "Bye Bye Bye Bye Bye Bye" to the Archbishop. She was very disappointed that he did not even turn around. Afterwards, the girls, Keith, and I rode around to look at Christmas lights. We saw Santa riding on the firetruck. Jessi burst into tears and Laney kept saying, "Can we go home now?" So much for love for Santa! We got home and put out the cookies and milk for Santa. Laney put her reindeer food in the front yard (of course, she was afraid that Santa was out there and did not want to go out). For the love! Then we all snuggled in Laney's bed and read a book. In the morning, the girls actually slept in. We all raced downstairs to see what Santa had brought. The girls were so tickled with everything. It was so great to see them so happy and into every gift they opened. Laney could have opened gifts in 2.5 seconds flat. Poor Jess didn't even open some of her gifts; however, she really didn't care. She just played and played as the morning went. Laney was so excited to hand Keith and I gifts. Of course, she was all about opening them herself. I think the big hit was the dollhouse that Santa brought for the girls. They have loved playing with it. Jess, of course, loves the wooden toilet. Figures! You gotta love that girl! They both received kazoos in their stockings. They have been playing all kinds of tunes. Laney also received a keyboard from her Great Grandma and Grandpa. She has played it constantly...she actually has a little melody. She definitely gets that from the Browder side! Dinah and Papa Shake came over after we opened our gifts. Let the gifts continue! The girls squealed when they got there. Tucker about wet himself! GG and Papa came over as well to enjoy brunch! It was a fantastic morning! After a round of family naps, we regrouped for dinner at Dinah and Papa's house with family friends. After dinner, the gifts continued at GG and Papa's house. Laney thought she had died and gone to heaven. Adam and Erin had made princesses at Build-a-Bear for the girls. They were thrilled! After much fun, the girls collapsed into bed that night. Mommy and Daddy collapsed as well. So many wonderful memories all in one day!

Christmas brought lots of cheer. The girls were very blessed...spoiled rotten! I love seeing everyone's faces as they open gifts. It is sad to see that special day come and go!

Indiana Jones eat your heart out...

It is amazing to see the change that one year makes...

Good Family Times...

Yesterday we went to Montgomery for a Browder family party. The girls had a blast! They played to their hearts content. They enjoyed their baby cousin, Ashlyn. Jessi really wanted to put her in her doll stroller for a quick stroll. Ashlyn grinned at Laney a lot! Laney was tickled! They got lots of hugs from D-Daddy. Of course, they ran to see GG and Papa! Laney enjoyed playing Candyland with D-Daddy, Daddy, and Papa. She is quite the little game player now. However, it wasn't as much fun when there are so many players...long wait for your turn. The family played Dirty Santa and had a big lunch. We had a great time!

Croquet anyone?

Oh What Fun It Is to Party in Preschool...

Laney had her Christmas party today. It was so sweet! The parents were invited as well. Laney was so tickled to see both her Mom and Dad! They decorated cookies, had a feast, and made a visor. She could't wait to give us a present that she made! It is the sweetest ornament with her handprint made into snowmen. We will cherish it! She was very proud of herself! I am so thankful that Laney loves school! She has grown so much! I am truly grateful to Mrs. Pieroni for loving her and guiding her!

Murphy strikes again...

My family has always made jokes involving Murphy...the law that it is always going to happen to me. Even at Christmas, Murphy leaves presents as if he were Santa. Well, Murphy now has an accomplice at my house. Today Jess and I were heading out to run errands. We got the diaper changed, found two matching shoes (that in itself is a huge accomplishment), socks and shoes stayed on for longer than 2 seconds (that is an even bigger accomplishment), put on my jacket, grabbed juice and a snack, got the to-do list, and started to put on the backpack. I couldn't find my key anywhere!!!!!!!! I have not ever lost it! I felt sick! Jess is running around giggling and I am feeling more frantic by the minute. I searched high and low...even looked through the grass in the front yard in the rain! Finally, I had to make the call of shame. I called Keith and told him I couldn't find my key. He had to pick Laney up from school...isn't he a sweetheart? After nap, Laney was going upstairs to get a toy. She started yelling, "Mommy, mommy I found your key!" I couldn't believe my eyes!!! She found it! Then I realized...Jessica Cailin is Murphy's accomplice. She had taken my key and put it in her shoe on the stairs! So much for loyalty!

Sisters...

"A true sister is a friend who listens with her heart."

Capturing the Moment...

Over the weekend, I returned to my old stomping grounds at school. My school was having a Santa Pancake Breakfast. Instead of being in the role of teacher, I was a vendor for my photography business. It was so great to see my old friends and students that I have taught. It truly touched my heart! I miss being a part of the school family! However, I absolutely love being with my girls! The Photography business is a little of both worlds rolled into one. I spend time working with children; yet, I still have lots of time with my own! I have met some wonderful families through photography sessions. I have learned a lot! I think what motivates me the most is seeing how happy parents are when they see their child's face in the photographs. It is so inspiring to offer something that brings others joy! I hope Capture the Moment continues to be a success in 2009...most importantly it continues to bring happiness to others! Life takes us in many directions. I am just so happy to be on this journey!

The Reason for the Season...

Laney and Jessi wore matching dresses that GG made for them. They were quite proud of themselves! Laney has anxiously been waiting for the nativity at church to be displayed. Of course, Baby Jesus was not there; however, she was mesmerized by the scene once again. Jessi was in heaven. She loved the animals. They also loved the huge tree in the foyer. Now Laney cannot wait for Jesus' Birthday! She says, "You know it is a party because there will be presents." I just pray that they fully enjoy their true present, the gift of life! We are all truly blessed!

The Simple Things in Life...

Jessi has a way of just lighting up your life. It tickles me how she appreciates the simple things in life. The world is a great place as long as she can suck her thumb, rub her ear, or play with her toes.

Now I lay me down to sleep....

One of my favorite times of the day is bedtime with the girls. I love to lay in Laney's bed and read books. I love to pray with her. Jessi even puts her hands together to pray! It is so sweet! She did that all on her own. Prayer is such a important and powerful part of life. I am trying to teach the girls to be open and talk to God because he is always listening and ever understanding. Laney is also learning prayers at school. I am very impressed with her interest and desire to pray! I received an e-mail from her teacher. She said, "Laney prayed for you today...because your hairdryer died." I was tickled at that. The second e-mail really made me laugh. Her teacher e-mailed again..."Oops, sorry, actually she prayed for the hairdryer." Her prayers remind me to be more open in my relationship with God. Sometimes prayer requires thinking outside the box. After we pray for loved ones at night, Laney always prays for flowers, rainbows, pictures, balloons, etc. What is very touching is that she has prayed every night for a child that was in her Mother's Day Out class two years ago. This child moved a couple months into the year. Laney has never forgotten her. I hope that her prayers have reached her and impacted her life. Thank you God for giving me the gift of a compassionate child! I feel so blessed having both my girls! They are truly my inspiration in life!

Feeling overwhelmed...

Tis the season...to be overwhelmed with all that needs to get done. I am feeling the pressure. Usually, I have my cards done, shopping finished, and house decorated. I am way behind in the game. All I really want to do is have a day where I stay in my pajamas and listen to Christmas music so that I can get in the mood to decorate the house. Where did those days go? The girls love those days too. There is nothing like staying in your PJs all day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Something to cry over...

Actually, Jessi isn't going to be crying over things anymore. Today she had surgery on her tear duct at Children's Hospital. After 4 1/2 hours, they took her back to surgery. She was a trooper without food or drink for such a long time. We went on a lot of walks in the hall. She scored a new puzzle and two new beanie babies. The surgery went quickly. She was definitely not herself when she returned. She is so laid back...it broke my heart to see her hurt and cry. We should know in a week whether her tear duct will remain open or not. Keep those prayers going! She has been through a lot in 16 months; however, we are very blessed that these surgeries have been small in the grand scheme of things. Children's Hospital is a very humbling experience. Pediatric Doctors and Nurses have a very special place in my heart! I wish children did not have to experience painful things!

Laney had her first ballet recital today. She has been taking a ballet class for the last four weeks. She loves it! The theme was The Little Mermaid...very Laney. Today they showed us all their new moves. It was just precious! We are hoping to take another session after the holidays!

Things to be thankful for...

The families were invited to a Thanksgiving program today. Laney's Thanksgiving Feast and Program was absolutely precious. The preschoolers sang songs as well as dressed up like pilgrims and native americans. Listening to the kids sing just melts your heart! Laney sang her heart out. She acted out each song! I am so impressed! Her shyness usually takes over. She completely enjoyed herself. After the program, we had la huge lunch. It was delicious! Jessica is a sweet potato pie junkie! What a wonderful day!

Splish splash we are taking a bath...

Bath time is the favorite time of the day at the Browder house. The girls squeal with delight when we announce bath time. They love taking a bath together (minus the fighting over toys). I love that time of the day because they just get silly! I love hearing them laugh!

Jessica takes a tumble...

Jessi is most definitely the daredevil of the family. Laney has always been very cautious. Jessi goes running in head first...literally.

The Ballet Goddess...

Happy Birthday to You!

Well, Laney is now four-years-old. I just can't believe it! It seems like we were holding her for the first time yesterday! She is so tall now and Miss Independent! She had a great time at her Princess Birthday Party. She loved playing with her friends. Cinderella visited our house. She was a huge hit. Honestly, Laney was more interested in her friends. Jessi, however, loved Cinderella! Laney had a castle cake with her favorite princesses standing around. It was delicious! We played Kiss the Frog, Pass the Slipper, and even had a horse race. It was a fun party! We hope all of Laney's dreams come true!

Four Years Old in 2 days...

The True Gift...

Laney has been counting the days until her birthday...now she is in the home stretch. She is just so excited! It is so hard to believe that she is going to be four. Where did the time go? The true gift is watching her grow and change over the last few years. It makes my heart soar watching her become more and more independent. Yet, I also feel sad because I know how much things will change and how quickly it will happen. I keep reminding myself that children are a gift. We need to enjoy each moment and unwrap them slowly. However, I am anxious to see what plans God has for Laney. She definitely has a lot of spirit to share and give! Stay posted for more soon!