If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
~Diane Loomans, from "If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again"

**Loved this little poem...enjoy the video :)

Busy, Busy, Busy Bees

We were SO busy this weekend, but it was great. Our Saturday started out at Shipley's Donuts with Travis, Adrienne, and Addison. We met up and ate some donuts...then we headed to Gymnastics. Addison had already been the week before so she kind of new the drill. Chloe did pretty good. She was a little timid at first, but then towards the end she definitely was in to it. It was so cute. Our "Mommy and Me" class is at Action Gymnastics. Chloe started out by playing on the trampoline. She was very into crawling on the trampoline not actually jumping on it :) Then we sat in a circle and stretched...the teachers are so good with the kids...they sing songs and make it really interactive. Then we had some free play--sliding, jumping, rolling, walking on the beam. At the end, they sing an adorable "Bye Bye" song with all the kids names incorporated. Then, the best part for Chloe and Addison, they got stamps on their hands and feet! I think the girls really had a great time! I am looking forward to this Saturday! Here are some pictures to enjoy!

This is Miss Sassy Pants right before we left...isn't her leotard so precious :)

After Gymnastics, we went home for a much needed nap...well, Chloe got a much needed nap. I decided to paint my house. Okay, not the whole house, I really needed to touch up my walls. It is amazing how many marks you accumulate over the course of 3 years...between a big dog and a little girl, I am going to be touching up walls for the rest of my life.

After that, I got dressed and Chloe got up from her nap. My mom came and got her and then took her to Ryann's Barbie Birthday Party. I immediately had to go to Brittnye's Wedding Shower. That was so fun and she got tons of great stuff. The decor was so cute and the food was amazing!

Later that night, we had a Reception to go to for Levi and Elizabeth! It was at the new venue on Riverside Drive called Waterstreet Event Center. It was amazing. They did such a great job decorating and the food was to die for!! Blake and I wish them both years and years of happiness. They make a great couple. Oh, the best part was that it was like a reunion. We got to see so many people that we never see! Love that! And how can I forget, it was cocktail attire...I always love an excuse to put on a pretty dress :)

Right after that, Blake and I went to Kevin's birthday party! We got there a little late, but we still had a great time! Another great group of people to hang with!

Here are a few pictures from the reception...

Kasey, Whitney, and Me

Brittnye and Me

Blake, Me, Brittnye, and Steven

Me, Kasey, Kayla, and Charity

All in all, it was an amazing weekend. Sunday, we were pooped. I absolutely love being busy though. I am the most productive on busy days like this! Hope you had a great weekend too!

It's beginning to feel like Spring...

The past weekend, the weather was so nice! I am so grateful for a break from 0 degree temperatures. On Sunday, we went outside so Chloe could burn off a little energy. She wanted to get her many "cars" (aka bikes) out to play and wanted to draw with sidewalk chalk. She is just the sweetest thing.

I had to take a picture of this because it is so Chloe-like. She has to have everything lined up and perfect...just like her Mommy :) From what I have read, I think it is completely normal for 2 year olds to be OCD...but ultimately, I think she just takes after me!

Couple's Shower

Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart. ~Author Unknown

This past weekend, Kasey, Kayla, and I threw a Couple's Shower for Brittnye and Steven. It was great. We had about 30 people over to our house---their family and friends. It was great. We had a ton of food and so much fun. One of the highlights of the night was when Steven's parents revealed where they would be going on their honeymoon...up to this point, it had been a secret. I had the Sandals DVD prepped and ready to go. We brought them into the kitchen and turned on the DVD....they are going to the BAHAMAS! I know they are both so excited! Gosh, to be on the beach...that would be great. All in all, it was a great night. Thanks to Kayla and Kasey for preparing most of the food...it was great! :)

Me, Kasey, Brittnye, Kayla


Brittnye gave each of us a cute hostess gift--a monogrammed bag tag, a personalized stamp, and note cards...she knows me so well...loved it!

Brittnye and Steven opening their gifts. They got a lot of great stuff for their kitchen!

Pedis...

Last night, I decided to get my toes ready for warm weather (even though we are going to have 6 more weeks of winter)...whatever. I guess I am being hopeful. Chloe asked several times for me to paint her toes too...so I did. They came out really cute! Her tiny little toes are now painted red just like mama's! I always paint mine red...never deviate from that color...I think it is because that is ALWAYS the color my Mom used too!