The mind of Lily.

I'm writing this post on Mothers' Day 2013.  And it's been so fun to reflect on my journey as a mom these past 7 years.  I actually think I know less now than I did before my first child appeared in this world. 

Or maybe that's actually the great wisdom of parenthood:  understanding that we really don't understand and can't predict anything.

Although, being a mom, especially one who is the main caregiver, may be rote at times, there's never really a dull moment when you're a mom.  I found a bunch of pictures of Lily, my youngest, that especially express this truth.  Enjoy....the mind of Lily.

Valentine's boxes....Lily wanted a "little monster"

Lily's "Mom" on the left (why am I so frowny?!) & Piper's "Raindrops"

The artist collapsed.

Still lookin good....she wore that Easter hat for days.

"A human girl.  Its Piper juggling balls.  A lot of balls."  Adding to Lily's colletction...

 

Oh the places they go.....

Our girls love to be active and they play super hard.  However, they are still little girls so they like to dress the part and they do not all mind getting their hands (or feet or faces or legs or hair) dirty in whatever they are wearing.

Here are few of their different costume changes for various activities:

Fancy coats thanks to Rosemary & Pauline.....

 

Gymnastics outfits for a day at the gym (Thanks, Grammie!).....

 Winter clothes & fun on their snow tube from Santa.  

They had fun even with just some ice and a dusting of snow......

 Pink running clothes for the Black Mountain Valentine's Fun Run around Lake Tomahawk.....

Stay tuned for many more updates (and costume changes) from these crazy girls.....

New Year. New Room.

After this Christmas, we started to realize that our little house was going to get quite tight with the new toy additions!  So we moved Lily in with Piper and made a play room/ office for me.  [Disclaimer:  when I say "office", I mean that the old changing table is not my desk....I can sense how jealous you are right now.]  Here is a glimpse into our new set-up:

Playroom....I wish it still looked that good!

Their first night together....they are doing GREAT!

I think she likes being with her big sis.  Sweet girl.

Sweet Dreams....

Winter Update Part 3: More glimpses of the holidays.

Here are the last of the Christmas pictures.....so I think!  I've almost caught up with winter....and it's not even May yet....yippee!!! 

Christmas at the Cushing's with Cousin Eli....Mom, I found one with your eyes open!  Amazing! :)

 

 

 

I'm sure Eli is super-comfy.

Neighborhood Santa and INCREDIBLE lights in Franklin

3 little nutcrackers at the Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House competition

My favorite ornament by far...Sprinkles & Lizzie from Lily's class!

Baby Jesus had some visitors this year....

Our sweetest Christmas treat

So....there you have it!  We might be moving into Spring soon....

Winter Update Part 2: It's beginning to look alot like......Family Christmas!

 Hello again!  This is a miracle that I'm actually posting again.....and don't worry....here are our Christmas pictures!  Like we do every year, we traveled from BM to Nashville to celebrate with family and even though, we aren't "at home"- we are with family which is more important than being in our home.  When you're with family, you are at home and we are blessed to be able to spend every holiday with both families!  Here is a glimpse into our time over the Christmas holidays:

 

We start out every Christmas holiday at home with our own tree and opening gifts for 

our family Christmas.

Then, you throw in a Christmas program or 2!  The girls look so little here.....this is fun looking back and getting to actually appreciate the holidays.  What a blessed time for us! 

 

It was Lily's turn to put the star on the tree while we sang "We wish you a Merry Christmas!"

 Piper was able to participate in her Winter Gymnastics "recital" with her bffs.

 

Piper showing off one of her cute gifts at home.

NEXT....it's off to Grammie & Grandaddy's:

 

 Cookies, Christmas village, the beautiful tree with presents, the dollhouse, cousin Ev, aunts & uncles, B.....we always have a magical time at Grammie & Grandaddy's

 The girls' Christmas room!

 Sweet Lily didn't feel good but still had such a great attitude!

 

Piper putting out cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve!

NEXT....off to the Cushing's!

 

For some reason, this is the only picture I have of our Christmas, but I love how it shows our growing family!  Uncle Corey joined us for his first Christmas with us and cousin Eli is here now, too.  We played a lot, opened presents, put make-up on Aunt Sandee, played outside, watched movies & loved being together.

Only 9 months until next Christmas!!!!

Winter update: Part 1

I am quite terrible at blogging actually but will try to post a Winter Update in pictures! 

So the most important thing that happened this Winter is that Lily turned 4!!!  We are so thankful for her- she adds a lot of spunk, humor, energy & questions to our household.  She makes us think about why we do things & is always pushing us to be creative.....and to keep up.

Birthday morning with her birthday poster!

 Birthday present time!

 Birthday cakes at home for family party.

 Cool cupcake "cake" at her gymnastics party.

Here's to many, many, many more years of celebrating this girl!

Incredible Gratitude.