Wrapping It Up

As I sit here with my hubby reflecting on our year, I feel so blessed and happy. We have had an exciting year full of love and happiness.

I feel so extremely motivated and rejuvenated to start the year off fresh. My mind is cluttered with a million resolutions and hopes for myself, some extremely life changing and some so miniscule they will never be verbalized, but these have been pushed to the back of my mind because I am constantly thinking about my sweet Lexi girl. Going in to 2012, I am so worried and devastated about her health. She has a second cancerous tumor growing rapidly on her belly. I just can't imagine a year without her bushy tail wagging and her broken ear hanging so sweetly.

Before I start thinking about the year to come, tonight is all about reflecting. I love thinking about the year that has passed. Have I changed or grown? Was I a better person in some way? I love thinking about the accomplishments, milestones, and traditions of my family. I am not sure if I have changed, but I know I am learning as I go. Everyday I strive to be a better mom, wife, and teacher. I am learning (as hard as it is) to be okay with not being perfect and just doing the best I can. I think that makes me a better person.

This year left me with so many smiles especially celebrating a first birthday and watching a little girl start walking. It was a year of firsts for Kailyn and a year of watching a baby grow into a toddler. It was amazing as I piloted my way through motherhood, and I loved every second of it.

Christmas has passed, and we celebrated in style. I considered Christmas a huge success since we only had one ornament casualty from some dangerous little hands. Too bad, I can't say the say for Mom Mom's tree on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning was a lot of fun. Kay got in and out of her little wagon holding her stuffed animal that looks just like Lexi for most of the morning. 

Over the week, we caught up with family and friends. We spent time at home and running around. It was the perfect mix. The only thing that stayed the same over this break was spending time with her...

and worrying about her ...

Happy New Year to all! This is going to be the best year yet!

The Countdown is On!

I can't wait for the big man in red to arrive! We are getting in the Christmas spirit. I love this time of year. Our Christmas cards have gone out, and I love getting home from work and checking the mail.

I bet you would be smiling if you saw this in your mail...

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Hope everyone has a busy, magical week! 

Story Book Land

Saturday morning, we woke up feeling pretty tired. We aren't used to going out! We struggled to get going, but we decided we wanted to have family time. It has been hard to find family time the past few weeks because things have been hectic! I love this time of year so much, but I feel like I haven't been able to enjoy it this year because things are crazy over here.

Anyway, we decided to take a trip down to Story Book Land to see Santa! It was a chilly night so we bundled up and headed off for a short evening of fun. When we arrived, the sun was just starting to set and we were excited for Kay to see Santa.

We waited outside of Santa's house because Santa comes from the chimney to wave his wand to light up the entire park with millions of lights. When Santa emerged Kay was interested! She stared at Santa and she seemed to like him!

After we saw Santa, we continued on for some amusement park fun. Kay had her very first Merry-Go-Round experience. She wasn't scared, but she wasn't too thrilled with it either.

It was a perfect birthday weekend. I highly suggest Story Book Land for a winter evening. It is such a clean, well kept special place for kids of all ages. I love my family and I love making memories with them. Now, I am gearing up for the big day. I really hope Santa stops at our house. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Birthday Date Night

After an insanely busy week, Daddy and I were able to relax with a special birthday date night. My hubby surprised me with tickets to see Jersey Boys in Philly. I have been wanting to see the show for a while, and I had mentioned it to him a while back. He hemmed and hawed, but it was all a trick. I was so happy mid-week when he told me we were going!

Our vet called to say that the test came back on Lexi's tumor, and she has stage 2 cancer. I will tell you more about that later. This week was draining. With report cards, observations, and late conferences, I was so happy when Friday rolled around.

We started off the night with a Mexican dinner at Distrito in the city. It was so good. It just made my obsession for Mexican food stronger. I know my hubby wasn't too thrilled, but he did it for me. Then, we stopped for a dessert at Philly cupcake! One special birthday cupcake for the birthday girl!

I know it is hard to see. I ate my gingerbread cupcake waiting for the show to start. It was heavenly.

This was my first time at Forrest Theater. I love the old feeling of it, but I hated the tiny seats and cramped leg room. My knees were slamming the seat in front of me all night. Once the show started, I didn't care though. I LOVED it!!! Jersey Boys was so good!

If you haven't seen the show, you must! The cast was amazing. The singing was even better! I loved spending the night with my hubby. It was the perfect beginning to my birthday weekend.

Etsy Shop Review

Looking for the perfect gift for a little girl? A few months ago, I was looking for a birthday gift for a special one year old. I found the perfect gift on etsy. Three Doodle Bugs is the perfect shop for personalized gifts. I was able to get a hand painted bow holder for the little girl made to match her bedroom and bedding. I loved the bow holders so much that I ordered one for Kay.

I love the way these bow holders came out. They would make the perfect addition to any room. Beth, the shop owner, was amazing! Of course, I was a little late ordering and she really rushed to get my order done in time! She was so easy to work with. She even looked up the bedding for Addie's design! She will do a custom order for you that you will love!

Check out her etsy shop! She has cute hand painted Christmas designs...perfect for a gift for a teacher, friend, or special little girl!