Beds by Dad

Josh - you never cease to amaze me at your ability to do nearly anything! After looking at furniture and not finding anything real solid that we could afford - you made the kids beds yourself! I love how they turned out!

Weekend Getaway to Des Moines

As a family who has grown quickly the past five years, your dad and I have tried to be sure we spend time with the two of you doing fun things while leaving the younger two home. The past couple of summers have included mini-trips to Des Moines to stay overnight, go swimming, mini-golf, visiting family, dinner out, and more! It's always fun to go on these little "vacations". We pack snacks for the car ride and try to be sure and do things that you will enjoy :) 

Spring Fever!

After long winters indoors we are always anxious to get outside! An easy and fun way to get the kids out of the house is to go to Tara Way Park in Lawton. They love it! We oftentimes jump in the car and drive the mile or if we are feeling like lots of exercise we ride our bikes or scooters.  Hayley was excited to show off how strong she is :) Many visits to the "big park" happen every Spring and Summer.  

Oldest and Youngest

Hayley, our oldest, is 5.5 years older than our youngest, Harper. That means we have had four children in 5.5 years. Wow! Hayley is the sweetest big sister, acting quite like a mom oftentimes and always showing love to her baby siblings. This is one of the sweetest pictures that I just had to include in this book. Precious girls. L.O.V.E.

My Sweet Love

My Sweet Love

Harper is such a bittersweet blessing being our 4th and final baby. I was lucky to spend five weeks with her before returning to work. I always wish I had more time but I am a partner in providing for our family and with a new job and limited time off I needed to begin contributing again. I do remember taking a day off; a rainy day; to stay home with Harper after having returned to work. I sat and held her most of the day; drinking coffee, watching the Today show and reruns of Grey's Anatomy. It was a day and memory I cherish knowing that she is our last baby. I still tear up knowing these last months of an infant will soon be in the past. Life is so fast, so chaotic that it's difficult to slow down and really take in all the joy and love surrounding us each and every day. Although these years are difficult at times I know I will be sad when they are long gone. 

So I feel a little guilty for a few reasons - one because I just can't remember what you were doing at 4 months - and I'm so sad that your first year has gone so fast! You were our healthiest baby! Eating rice cereal sooner; baby food sooner; and loving it all! You are ten months as I write this post and eating bananas, yogurt, veggies, hamburger, and seem to have a great appetite. Your siblings always love to pose with you for the monthly photos. Happy and healthy girl :) Love you! 

Happy Mother's Day!

My most challenging and rewarding job is being a mom. I LOVE my children more than anything in the world. They bring me the most joy, happiness, worry, stress, and frustration - they push me to be a better person and to reflect on how I act. I am so lucky to be their mom :) I love you Hayley Ann, Hudson James, Hazel Kathleen, and Harper Louise :)