Second Chances.......

Sometimes in life we have an opportunity for a second chance.

Sometimes we give someone a second chance and sometimes we receive a second chance. Either way, I think they are both a gift. It is up to us what we do with them. In my own life, as I have gotten older, I have learned to give second chances more often - as I have made many mistakes along my road and I have cherished the second chances that I have been given - both from God and the people who love and care about me.

Matt (and his sister, Anne) recently had a second chance to meet his dad, Randy. The last time Matt saw his father was when he was 3 years old. It was a very emotional meeting and something I will never forget.

We are already so blessed to have a large and wonderful family....and we are very excited to add Randy, Julie, Drew and Derek to it. It was an awesome weekend!!

Anne, Randy and Matt

Derek, Anne, Matt and Drew

Anne, Julie, Randy, Matt, Derek and Drew

Carlee is in love with Drew.....or as she calls him - Andrew.

We went to the St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday...it was a beautiful day outside! Carlee almost got eaten by the Tazmanian Devil!

Carlee and my niece, Johnna. They held hands during the parade....how sweet is that?

Carlee and Johnna had the best time playing together....they got into the makeup and play clothes and played played played!! Johnna LOVED wearing my heels!

Good morning momma.....

This is what I woke up to this morning......about 2 inches from my face....it was still dark. All I heard was, "Mommy, I am ready for you to wake up now."

Life is good. I am blessed........

She is really in to wearing this Kangaroo costume that Vanna wore for Halloween a few years back. She wants to wear it everywhere...to the store, around the house....oh well - I guess it is warm and cozy - I kinda wish they made on in my size.

Couldn't resist putting this pic on here too....it's just so sweet and it's my blog so I can do whatever I want. Hehe.....

Fashion Week Continues....

The girls put on a fashion show for us......we got to see a preview of their Easter dresses (the ones with the tags still on them!), a summer outfit for Carlee that used to be Vanna's, a kangaroo costume and a few others that they wouldn't hold still for to get a picture.....we also shot a little video to get the full effect. They were pretty creative...they used the hallway as their runway, they had Vanna's little radio on and they sat 2 chairs at the end of the hall for Matt and I to sit in and watch them......pretty cute!

Our little boy is growing up.....FIRST DANCE TONIGHT....

It was Cayden's first dance tonight - ok, technically, they all it a Stuco "social" because I think they figured out at that age - no one dances. So - they have a DJ and a dodge ball tournament. Bet you can guess where the boys are going to be and where the girls are going to be - HA!!!!

He had to wear a yellow shirt because his dodge ball team was called the Twinkies.

I am so excited that the MAC counter has come to our house!!

It was fashion week at our house....Carlee LOVES - LOVES to put makeup on anyone who will sit still.....Vanna, me, mimi, dad....I think the only one who hasn't got a makeover is Cayden and he won't sit still long enough...that's surprising...hehe

Daddy Daughter Date Night 2011

The girls annual date with Daddy/Matty........they had a blast!

What the ?????

Thank the Lord this isn't permanent.

70 degrees in January in KANSAS? Yes sirreeee!

Our first day at the park in 2011....January 28.

Meet IRMA!!!

Our first snow friend of the season....don't you love her sunglasses and Spongebob Squarepants purse.......she is a DIVA.

A watched pot never boils......

Or - laying in front of the door with your pillows and blankets waiting for it to snow.....has the same result.

Although, later that night - snow it did! About 6 inches this go around. See my next post for pictures of our new friend Irma.....

Welcome baby Cahlen!!!

Our new little nephew.....I love him. I think I'll keep him.

One of my favorite pictures.....

I love this picture for so many reasons.......maybe it's because my Grandma is one of the most important people in my life. Maybe it's because love is evident in this picture. Maybe it's because my grandma has taught me so many things in my life - how to quilt, how to cook, given me my favorite family recipes, how to garden, how to make homemade noodles and hang them on strings throughout the house to be cut, how to can, how to be excited about getting your hair done (always went to her weekly appts with her when I was young), how to play my first song on the piano - and the list goes on.

Maybe it's just because it was bedtime when I took this of her and Carlee and she still has her shoes on with black socks? I don't know......whatever it is....it's one of my favorites. Love you Grandma!

First day of Pheasant season......are you ready?

Cayden and I's first Pheasant season as "licensed" hunters!!!

We had a HUGE group....about 12 guys, 3 kids and 6 dogs. By the time I even thought about what I needed to do to shoot a bird - it was dead on the ground with a dog slobbering over it......uhh...maybe next time in a smaller group?

How many hunters does it take to change a flat tire that you know is going to happen when you have a group of trigger happy men and dogs about ready to jump out of their skin? Maybe one but about 15 to stand there and make comments to hurry up the process! This was a great group to go with...we had a great time.