What happens when it snows

Here's what our family does when it hasn't snowed more than 2 inches in over 2 months. We were all pretty psyched to get out in the snow and play.

Brooklyn sledding down the driveway

Brooklyn and Daddy tackling each other

Brooklyn sledding down the Daddy-made hill And, Tierney being a baby slept through it all

Too much alike!

Like mother...

Like daughter... Apparently we both need to learn how to put our shoes away!

A mom's heart

Being a mom is the hardest but most rewarding job I will ever have. It's a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, awake in the middle of the night, then up for the day at the crack of dawn and exhausted before the 10 o'clock news kind of job. It's a job where you're on-call all the time and have to be prepared for anything that is thrown your way. It's a job where you are paid in hugs and kisses. And, it's a job that you will have for the rest of your life. Sure the day-to-day duties will change, but a job that involves your heart, sweat and tears is one that will stick around forever. And, I'm so glad God choose me to be mom to my amazing little girls! I work every day to be the best version of myself for them, not because they demand it but because they deserve it. I want to be a good role model for each of them, and I truly desire for them to both grow up with a sense of who they are, feeling secure in that, and ready to take on the world.

Recently, I have had the chance to just sit back and watch Brooklyn interact with others, and it makes my heart feel so warm. She does listen to everything Kevin and I tell her. She does hear us and she does pay attention. It's a very rewarding feeling. At home, she definitely tests her boundaries (what kid doesn't though!?), and we've both come to the realization that we can be pretty strict with her. I don't know if it's because she's the first child and being a first child myself I know that parents can tend to hold that child to a higher standard than their siblings, or if it's because we know what she is capable of and always want that from her. But, she is a kid after all, and a darn good one, if I do say so myself! She's got an amazing sense of humor, loves to play mommy to all her babies and stuffed animals (she even nurses them!), is quite fiery, but loves a good snuggle.

Tierney's personality is just starting to blossom and I love the chance to get to know my baby girl that much more. I can already tell, she's going to be a risk taker. There isn't much we try with her that she objects to. She'll try anything at least once before she decides if she doesn't like it. She's a pretty calm baby, simply loving to people (especially kid and other baby) watch, but she does love to be held. She's very grabby, gets her hands on anything and everything she can, and boy is she quick! I can't wait to see the person she's growing into. She may be and probably will be my last baby and I am just soaking up everything all the time.

My girls are so very important to me and how they turn out is a reflection of how they were raised. I want them to be responsible, loving, caring, independent, inspiring, strong, courageous, honest, Godly women. And, when they look back on their childhoods, I want them to have the fondest memories. And, when they grow older, I want to be their best friend and the person they can turn to for anything and everything in life because I will always be here for them no matter what. I love them both unconditionally and completely now and forever.

My Blast from the Past

Brooklyn was a few months shy of turning two when this video was shot. I found it today on the computer while I was looking for something else and oh my gosh, she was so tiny, had the cutest curly hair, her voice sounds so little and her vocab wasn't as advanced as now. It's hard to remember those days!! So, enjoy with me, my blast from the past...