some days..

Some days you are just so silly.  You do test me many times in the day but sometimes... you have the best day.  You laugh and run and laugh and run.  This photo reminds me of one of those days.  I'm grateful that God gave you to us.  I always knew our family wasn't complete... now... I know why.

little one

Sweet Dudley Paul... You are getting so big.  I can't believe how much you are talking.  WOW!  Everyday you say something new.  You are so fast... sometimes I can't even catch you!  (reminds me of someone else in our family) You have the best smile and stink eye.  You are my little love.

you changed me....

Nine years ago you changed me.  You made me want to be a better person.  You made me slow down and enjoy every moment.  You made me pray... a lot!  You made me love like I have never loved.  You made me smile and laugh more than I had my entire life... and sometimes cry (thank you three year old).   You made me RUN.  A LOT.  EVERYDAY.  You made me create more.  You made me read more.  You made my  heart bigger.
You still do all these things to me... my Jude.  You are an AMAZING child.  You are strong willed ... yet gentle.  You are funny and sensitive.  You are athletic and patient.  You are a wonderful big brother to your sister and baby brother.  I thank God everyday for your life.  You are incredible creation.  I love you with all my heart.  always will.    Mama

first day...

How is it possible that school is starting today?  What??  We just got out... right?  Ok... so I am not one of those mom's that can't wait for the first day of school.  I am not dancing down the isles  of target getting school supplies.  I do love watching my children grow and learn.  I do love the excitement a new school year brings.  I do love all the possibilities for my kids.  I just am sad to see them go.  :(  I am sad to not have them under my feet all day long.  And when Dudley climbed on the stairs this morning and yelled..... JJJJJJuuuuuuuddddeeeee??????  I was sad.  But now we go on... praying for a safe and healthy and fun year.  Praying that God leads us as we raise our kids.  Praying that I always have the courage to do what God wants us to do and what is best for our family.

You guys will be great!  I just know it!!  You will rock this first day!  Dudley and I will be waiting with open arms!!!!

mama

cutie. patootie.

What a cutie this almost three year old is... miss Carley!  I had so much fun with you on our shoot.  We laughed and jumped and ran and played.  You have grown up so much in such a short time!  You are so sweet... just like your mama!  Thanks for spending the evening with me... so glad we missed the rain!!!

P.S.  Hope you get that zebra you wanted for your birthday.  xoxo

dancing beauty....

We LOVED going to your dance recital this weekend.  You did such a great job.  My heart was racing for you as you went on stage... a big college stage... but you were right at home.  You are so fun.  You amaze me everyday with your personality and kindness and laugh.  Love you with all my heart.

mommy day

thank you to my little family.  you have made me a mommy.  you have made me laugh.  you have made me cry.  you've made me happy.  you have made me tired.  you've made me run.  you have made me read.  you have made me excited.  you've made me proud.  you've made me patient.  you've made me impatient.  you've made me want to be a better human.  you've made me appreciate every moment.  i love you with everything i am.  i will always be your biggest cheerleaders, your protector, your place to run.  i will always be here for you.  thank you for making me a mommy.  my heart is yours.