2014 is a year of new beginings

In 3 years I've been a massive slacker in posting. It's not because I didn't want to chronicle my son's achievements and share what a great person my son is, it's simply because I lost the heart of posting. I was in such a dark place emotionally, where only my kids provided light, and I just didn't have the drive to write anymore.

Two days ago I felt an immense need to share my feelings again. To share how fantastic my kids are. To share every single accomplishment. Why? Because I have the heart to do it again. Because I read back posts and reading about the things my kids did then made me smile. I don't ever want to forget them at this age. I don't ever want to look back and realize I missed writing down a memory before it faded. Most of all because I do cherish them and I want to have this to share with them. I want them to be able to go back and read about our lives and have it jog a memory they may have forgotten they had. I want them to know just how very much they are loved, naturally in person that's where it happens most. But, in reading, it's a tangible touchable thing.

This year is going to be a challenge emotionally as a difficult decision was made late last year that's going to affect us all in ways we never expected, and honestly I know it's going to affect us more than I can fully grasp right now. I expect there to be lots of tears shed, lots of healing to be done, and lots of unease initially.

As always it's my kids who hold my heart, my focus, and bring the very best of life to me.

Birthday Month April 2010

April is my favorite month because my 2 favorite people in the whole world were born that month! We kick off the start of the month with Alastair turning 1! How in the world did the year go so fast that my little man is now one?!? April 2, 2010 Karalee & Alastair making the horse do double duty

Karalee showing off her horse riding style

The kiddo's having fun

April 3, 2010 It's Alastair's birthday! Happy birthday little man, one year ago today you came into our lives, making your sister a Big Sister and us parent's for the second time. We love you and are so grateful to have you here, you were always on the move inside and you haven't stopped yet. Love you little man! Birthday Boy!

Yummy cake made by Candice Twitty, cherry flavored!

Karalee helping out

Digging into his cake!

YUMMY!

Daddy helping open all the gifts

Karalee & Dana helping open the gifts

April 4, 2010 Alastair's balloons from yesterday are now in reach!

Alastair crawling to see what's going on

It's hunting eggs time!

My beautiful girl

Kids opening eggs to see what treats they got

Karalee handing Alastair a chocolate egg

April 10, 2010 It's bury Dana time!

It's Karalee's 4th birthday! Four years ago we were blessed to become parents to the most wonderful little girl, she's made us smile from day one and has continued to do so, we love you big girl! April 30, 2010 Karalee's presents

Karalee opening her gifts, she's got it down and doesn't need help lol

Alastair found the top they got for Christmas

Kiddo's playing together

Karalee's cake made by Candice Twitty!

March 2010

03/14/2010 We're off to the zoo!

We're here!

I love this one, Alastair looks tired and ready to go, Karalee is ecstatic to show him the animals

The kids were due for their first haircuts, so we went down to the local hair school and gave it a try. Karalee was okay at first ... until the end and she was just over the whole process. Alastair was fine long as he had a lollipop. 03/15/2010 Here we go ...

I'm not sure what's going on, but I was promised a lollipop so I guess it's okay

Make it stop!

03/19/2010 Karalee is strutting in her horse slippers!

Alastair is cruising!

Alastair looks like "Why is she smooshing my cheeks?!?" Karalee's answer, "Because it's hilarious silly!"

Lunch was yummy!

February 2010

Alastair keeps getting better and better at walking everywhere and he loves getting out with his big sis to play and explore. 2/10/2010 Karalee on her bike and Alastair showing off his walking skills

January 2010

Dana's Birthday is here! And we put him to work opening gifts almost as soon as his eyes opened! 1/3/2010 Dana with his first home made card by the kids ... with help from Mom

Alastair checking out the movies

Karalee helping Daddy open his gifts

1/10/2010 Cake batter is delicious!

1/24/2010 Mermaid Karalee

1/28/2010 Karalee and Alastair getting clean

January 2011

It's the New Year and we're already running full steam ahead! We start off the year by seeing Zoo Lights! I got to try out my new camera and I'm very excited about having it! I now have one that fits in my purse so we should never again say "I forgot the camera!!" which is quite thrilling for me!

January 2, 2011
It's a whale!


Dana, Karalee & Alastair


Dana & I - Yes, I look ridiculous, I know =D


Karalee


Alastair


Next up is Dana's 36th Birthday, and what's a birthday without cake!?! Thank goodness for taste testers.

January 3, 2011
Alastair and Karalee performing the taste test


Alastair gives it the seal of approval ...


... As does Karalee lol


We have adventure's and grand fun at the Children's Museum next up, kids have so much fun and this place is huge! Great way to spend an afternoon and wears the kids out, plus they ask to go back often!

January 6, 2011
Karalee exploring




Alastair climbing and checking out the scenery


Peek-a-boo!


January 13, 2011
You look thirsty, have some water - Karalee giving Alastair water from the straw.

Thanks, here, let me give you some now!


January 14, 2011
Diego - Who's car? I'm laying claim, I dare you to take me on Dana.


Someone is being super silly


January 15, 2011
Dana and the kids at the Aquarium


Another group shot


Look Dad!!


January 28, 2011
You say Cheese, no YOU


She's either a Diva or ready to snowboard ...