LOVE

I love when Abby laughs at her sisters...

I love when Abby makes silly faces...

I love when Abby sleeps!

Being a mom

 Being a mom definitely comes with a lot of challenges. Some days are really hard. Like the day Sarah *almost* drank rubbing alcohol. Or the day the girls broke a dozen eggs in the grocery store. Wait, that was the same day! Anyways, after a rough day Andy reminds me that not every day is like that. He is right, some days the girls dance around the house like fairies and never get in a fight and do everything I ask. Well maybe not, but pretty close.

 I try to cherish the sweet moments and the appreciate their innocence. Emily has such an vivid imagination and is very inquisitive about things. She can't be quite funny too and can really get me laughing. Sarah is very expressive and I love to watch her face and eyes as she talks. She draws you in. And Abby... is a new baby and everything about a new baby is perfect.

My girls and I on Mother's Day

The hardest part is knowing that I am setting an example for these girls. My role as a mom and my relationship with Andy and others will set a pattern for the choices they will make as they get older. Right now they love their mom and copy everything I do, so I know I have to be on my best behavior!

Walking in momma's shoes

Heaven on Earth

We had to take Abby to a Dr's appt in Chapel Hill recently (more on the appt later). We decided to spend some time walking around campus with the girls. Sarah and Abby ended up falling asleep in the stroller, so Emily loved all the attention and photos.

Emily and "Silent Sam"

Emily and Mommy on the kissing bench.

Andy told Emily she couldn't kiss anyone else on this bench until she is at least 30! For those that don't know, the legend is you will marry the one you kiss on the bench.

CAROLINA GIRL!

Sarah woke up in time for one last picture!

Every time I go back to Chapel Hill it seems like it is a perfect spring day. Everything looks so beautiful- like heaven on earth. It was fun to share it with Emily and for Andy and I to reminisce. We met after I had graduated from UNC and right when he was finishing up, so we never spent much time on campus together. It was fun comparing our experiences, however it did make me miss my roommates!

Blessing Day - the Afterparty

We invited everyone over to our house for lunch after the blessing. We considered doing it at a park, but I am so glad we had it at home. We just set up enough tables and chairs in the garage for everyone and it was perfect!

We have had a lot of birthdays lately so we celebrated those.

Ashley's birthday was actually that day! Poor thing had to drive 6 hours on her birthday! And she was a major help getting everything ready. Thanks Ashley!

And see I gave my husband another cupcake for his birthday.

I really didn't forget his birthday!

The weather was perfect! The big kids spent most the day by the pond catching fish! Bryan brought along some live bait and you wouldn't believe all the fish they caught. The kids were so happy!

Larry didn't as much luck as the kids... he hooked a shoe when he tried to cast his line out!

The kids took rides out in the boat.

I am sure my sister is going to freak when she sees a pic of her son wearing an ADULT size lifejacket. Andy swears he wouldn't have drowned if he fell in,, but I think it is better to be on the safe side.

Abby got to snuggle with lots of family. The kids were all fighting for her! She is one lucky girl to have so any people that love her.

 

Love these pictures of me and my sisters with our dad!

Abby's Blessing Day!

We were blessed to have lots and lots of family come to Abby's baby blessing.  Andy gave her a sweet and sincere blessing with his dad, our brothers/brother in laws (minus Chuck, who was sick) and Jonathan Boney in the circle.

My family

(minus Chuck and Charlotte)

Andy's family

(minus Denise and Maverick)

 

Our family... of 5!

 We love our "Abby Girl"! She has the sweetest face... I love her hair, her chin and her eyes! She loves to cuddle and I am trying to cherish every moment with her. She falls asleep in my arms numerous times throughout the day. She loves to be held, so that is what I do. I having gotten pretty good at typing while holding her, making pb&j sandwiches with one hand and I always make room on my lap for her big sisters. They love her and get so excited when she smiles at them. I enjoy watching her grow a little each day and wonder what she is going to be like as she gets older. No matter what, we love that she is part of our family and will always love her.

Birthday Apologies

I also kind of dropped the ball on Andy's birthday too. I was having a rough week, OK? I probably shouldn't even document the fact that he got a lousy birthday, but even if I didn't, I am sure he will never let me forget "the year I forgot his birthday."

However I didn't really forget it... I did make cupcakes and here is the proof:

Granted I made them the day before your birthday... for a cookout with friends, but they were still made in your honor!

Sorry Babe! Even though I didn't make a big deal about your birthday. I sure think you are extra special and appreciate all that you do for me and the girls. Love you!

Easter Sunday

Easter kind of snuck up on me this year. Usually we would have dyed eggs earlier in the week and had a big Easter dinner, but due to my lack of planning neither of those happened.

However, the Easter Bunny did drop off lots of goods for the girls - thanks to some midnight shopping!

And he hid eggs full of candy

The girls loved the bubble machine they got!

I felt really bad about not dying any eggs, so I just let the girls do it that afternoon.

And I made them get back in their dresses for a few pictures. :)

Happy Easter!