Changes

They are upon us. Changes that are good. The season for instance. It is changing. The air is different. The mornings are crisp. Fall colors are out at all the local stores.

Our girls have some change along with the season. They are going to be going "home". Ms. Tanya will be adding two little girls to her home and everyone involved is excited. The Bear will be attending two days of pre-school a week with a WONDERFUL teacher. We are so blessed to have her in the lives of our children.

This change was brought upon by a lot of praying. While the pre-school they were at is wonderful, it was just not our place. Not what worked for us. We loved everyone there, but my girls are used to having "family" during the days when I can't be there. Different strokes for different folks. Isn't that how that saying goes?

I don't doubt that I will always second guess myself as a mother. I won't always get it right the first time. My idea of the perfect solution may be so far off that I look in the mirror and say "What was I thinking?" But, the bottom line is that they are mine. I have this one life to do what I feel in my heart is what will mold them into the individuals I know they are capable of being. I love them so very much. And like every parent, I only want what is best for them. I will do what ever I must to make that happen. I will make whatever sacrifices I have to. Because when you are a mother, that is just what you do. Last night, I slept a full night for the first time in a month. I can't really use the word relief, because that word means that I have been worried. I have just not felt "right". I feel "right" now. I can honestly say that I don't look forward to all of the times I don't feel "right" as they grow because I know some of them are going to smack me hard in the face.

Until then, while they are little, I am going to recognize that my worries are nothing. And as long as they are happy and healthy, I couldn't ask for more. We will continue to love and grow together as a family. That is one thing I am sure of.

New Additions

We really haven't lost our mind. We just have this thing with adding to our family. Only, the additions have four legs instead of two.

Meet Oats and Flower. Oats is the tabby and Flower is a calico. Or so Andy says. I have no idea, so I am going with it. One thing I know for sure. They are so darn cute.








They are playful. They are wild. But, they are also cuddle bugs. They love Honey and she loves them. At first I was curious as to how they would interact, but bringing them home was a gift to her. The three of them play non-stop.

The Bear can't get enough of them. The Bean, well, her love of animals is pretty much nonexistent. She just likes to watch from afar.





A low key weekend awaits us. I am ready for it and can't wait to spend time with my three.



Happy Weekend!

Part 4 of 4

Coming home is always just as good as going. But when you have a birthday party at home that awaits, it is even better. Home, with our family and friends that we share everything with. The ones that only live steps away. Sweet, sweet times. The close knit kind that makes you feel secure and always supported. Thank you dear friends and family for coming to my Bear's special day. It was all the more special because you were part of it!

























thank you nana, brandy, gracie and daddy for the pictures

*********

Dear Sarah Bear,

You are four. All of you. Your look, your language, your soul. I can't believe that four years have gone by. We have shared so many things in just four years. I can't wait for the next four. Thank you for making me a mommy for the first time in my life. For giving me what I had yearned for since I was a little girl myself. I have learned so much from you. You are such an amazing big sister and so sincere. I promise to love and protect you to the moon and back and in the middle. And that my sweet, sweet girl is a pinky promise. Happy Brithday!

Part 3 of 4

I love taking pictures. I take them of my children all the time. Any opportunity I get, I am snapping. They get so frustrated with me sometimes. All of them, including daddy. This was my first time taking pictures for someone else. It was awesome. I squatted. I rolled. I laid on my back. Any position to get the perfect shot. People were taking pictures of me taking pictures. It was quite comical actually, but the result? Beauty. Family and memories to have for a lifetime.

The Derr Family








The McDonald Family










My Bean and Bear(they look so big in these pictures) *sigh*









The last night of our trip landed the four of us at a new place. A place we LOVED. I can't explain the uniqueness of it. So quaint, yet so alive. We are in the works planning our own trip there sometime. Dinner at the Crazy Crab was a hit. For all of us.







So, part three ends with a week full of fun and love. We await next year. To be with these same loved ones again. Wishing it was only Monday, when it is in fact Friday. That is when you know you are experiencing a true vacation. Thank you for a wonderful time Grandma and Grandpa McDonald!

Part 2 of 4

The rest of our vacation week was great. Beautiful weather with two late night storms to lull everyone to sleep. Going back and forth from beach to pool is what our days consisted of. Decisions, decisions. It was rough, I tell ya. Gathering for lunch and dinner everyday, watching two little girls eat like never before. That swimming is hard work I tell ya. Sleeping girls that breathed in sync.


















I could not believe the progress the bean and bear made swimming. They got it, and fast. Jumping off the side of the pool, while telling me to get out of the way instead of catch me mommy. They are fish.






Our second day there, a jellyfish was so kind to slightly sting the bear. She didn't cry. Not a tear. I was so proud of her and even more surprised when she got right back in.

My bean was a hoot. She was so easy this year. Doing everything on her own. I remember thinking last year how much easier it would be this year. It was. And for that, now I am sad. She didn't stop at all. Watching her made me tired. Wheels spinning continuously in her mind. I loved watching every single minute of it.



My bear also celebrated her fourth birthday while there. Aunt Sarah made the most beautiful, appropriate cake. Cousin Bryan had celebrated his second birthday only a week before, so it was a joint party. However, all of the grandchildren were showered with gifts. As always. Our girls are so blessed.















A treat for the girls while there was to build/stuff their own animal. It was a big hit and they are so proud of their creations. Those animals have a permanent spot on the beds of two little girls.








With the week winding down, I did my first photo shoot on the beach for my siblings. I loved it and even managed to get a few of my own. So, stay tuned for part three. It will be full of beautiful smiles and sandy hands.