This is what (my) 40 looks like.

Taken on my birthday.

The kids were more interested in the lobster tank next to us than smiling nicely for the picture.

Comparison (because I love them)

Six months ago he wanted to walk the line but couldn't quite stay balanced. On Annabelle's birthday he mastered the task.










Four years later, still giddy on the swings. "Higher Mama, highest of all!"

Love

Oh my goodness do I love this picture.

Happy Easter!

I want to remember

When Annabelle is crying Nate will run to me and say “Annabelle is being a Drama McQueen”.

	Right around her 5th birthday Annabelle started calling me “Mama”. I love it.
	Nate’s “James Dean” look.
	Nate cannot go outside without sunglasses. This exasperates his sister.
	Even though this picture looks serene they both came close to sliding down the hill into the lake while taking it.
	Nate adores his sister.
	Even though she won’t admit it most of the time, she really loves him too.

Egg Tree

On a particularly warm St. Patrick’s Day we decorated an egg tree in the dogwood out front. The kids worked hard. Nate tried to climb the ladder while I was on it.

	This is an annual tradition with Nana that we all enjoy.

Happy 5th Birthday Annabelle

March 18, 2012

Dear Annabelle,

Happy 5th Birthday! Last week we were cuddled on the couch, I was stroking your newly washed hair and I said “I can’t believe you are going to be 5”. You so sweetly put your little hand on my face and said “Oh Mommy, I can’t believe you are going to be 40” : /

You are brilliant. This past year you have learned to read independently. No more slowly sounding out words, no more asking for help (unless it is a huge word). You just read, you read everything from signs to directions to books. Today was your birthday celebration at school and I had bought a book on St Patrick’s Day for you to take as your share item. You read it once on the way there and then again out loud for all your classmates. I was so proud. My wish is you always have this passion for reading.

You make friends so easily. I used to think it was just a little kid thing but since making a careful observation I see not all children glide into kinship so effortlessly. In fact you seek it out. You will say “Can we go to McDonalds play place (or Keystone or Seabase) so I can make some new friends today?” I hope you always have the self confidence and resiliency to walk up to someone and say “Hi my name is Annabelle, what’s yours? Can we be friends?”

This past year we changed churches. Our new church has such a focus on young children. It is safe, it is growing and boy do they love God. It has been a blessing for me to watch you thrive in this atmosphere. You ask all the time “when can we go back to church?” My prayer for you each and every night is that you will know God, Jesus and be filled with the Holy Spirit. I ask that I be shown what it is I can do to help you on your journey,

You acquired a love of dolls this year. You have never really been into dolls but now you seem to pick 1 to be inseparable with for a week to 10 days then you are over it and pick a new one. So far none have been permanent and that fits your style. Unlike your brother and his cozy pillow you have never had 1 “lovey” for more than a few months.

You are taking tumble along with tap and ballet classes this year. You really love the tumble and the ballet. In ballet your costume is very princess like complete with a crown. You were floating on air when you got to try it on a few months ago. We are all looking forward to your recital this year.

You are looking forward to your gymnastics party next week. I’m looking forward to seeing you glow. Always know how very happy you make your Dad & me just by being you.

Love you to the moon and back,
Mommy