Mama of 2 P's in a Pod

I did something a little outside my character last weekend. A friend of mine, Carrie who is such a talented photographer, wanted to do a Boudair session. And I volunteered! I wanted to do some fun pictures for Kris for Valentine's Day with some of his firefighter stuff. So, we spent a good part of last Sunday afternoon laughing our butts off! I had a great time and felt super sexy and still do, thank you Carrie! I am HORRIBLE at keeping surprises a secret when it comes to my husband, and he is too. Most Birthday or Christmas presents end up being given a week before the big days, that's just how we roll I guess. So, I showed what she has finished editing so far and he LOVES them! Here's a couple to show off the talents of Mrs. Carrie Rolin!

Little P has this way of just looking at you or touching your hand or giving you a hug that makes everything seem OK. Things have been great, working on unpacking and organizing the house, dealing with the daily routine, trying to keep it routine, getting "promoted" at work while seeing two co-workers leave. The usual kind of stuff, well minus Kris getting 8 teeth extracted last week kind of usual. He is doing remarkably well by the way, even taking time to thank me for being helpful, supportive and a good wife...sigh =) But Little P will still find some way to nudge her sweet little body in for a surprise hug, a sweet touch and a cute little look and for those I'm forever grateful. She has always been my saving grace and its good to feel ok! Also ok, Bit P, despite a few moments of sass and attitude that only a 5-year-old can pull off, she is truly coming into her own. Her analytical mind is constantly going...whcih can be rough at bedtime but we're working on it. I...

Boy, time creeps away from me. I didn't realize that I hadn't blogged about the joys of Christmas and big P's 5 th birthday. Then again, we did just move and that has taken up a lot of my time and energy. I don't normally make a New Year's resolution that really has any power or meaning behind it. Partly because I've never really seen the point and partly because I've never been good at it. This year however, is much different. We are starting a new year in a new home with new outlooks. While we have so many blessings to count, we do have some things we as a family and we as individuals (Kris and I) have to change in order for us to succeed in our new journey. So, while I try not to make resolutions, and try to just focus on being "better", sometimes a definition of what "better" is, is truly needed. I have found myself in a corner of the room where I never expected to be. I am more negative than positive, never express my true opinions ...

We had one of those moments that as a parent, rock your entire core last night. Long story short, little P got forgotten, no that's not the right word. Mommy and Daddy were distracted as was big P and we all went into the house without little P. Now, the temperature outside was 5 degrees above zero! Little P was out there by herself for 10 minutes. I can not describe to you the panic, the disappointment and the fear I feel inside knowing that I was the one who should've doubled checked. Thank you God for keeping my sweet little P safe and for sending your angels to help her get out of my Pilot and to the front door! Never again do I want to feel this way. I have been very hard on myself today about this. A co-worker friend of mine said sometimes God sends little moments to keep us as parents in check. Not necessarily to punish but to remind us to pay attention to the little things that make the big things matter. Another friend of mine says all she needs to know is she's...

This is my family, the loves of my life all in one picture. I'm so grateful for each day I get to spend as his wife and their mama. My Christmas wish? Another year of love, happiness, health and joy together!

The P's are so much fun to be around during the holidays. (ok during other times too!) But watching the simple things about this time of year through their eyes is such a joy. I love hearing the ooh's and ahh's from the back seat when we drive through a neighborhood full of lights. I also love hearing them talk about the true meaning of Christmas and why its not about the toys they get from Santa but that its all because a baby boy was born. And of course Big P loves knowing her birthday is just a week before Jesus'. I hope everyone has a chance to find something to enjoy about the season. I know there is so much hardship for a lot of people right now, I can't even imagine some of the pain others feel, but I hope that there is a glimmer of hope for them somewhere, and what better time to find it?

Our big P turns 5 next month, FIVE! Where has the time gone? I mean it seems just like yesterday we found out we were pregnant with her! And not too long after that she said mama for the first time. Then her first steps, her first pony ride, her first haircut! Now, this sweet person who I love so dearly is gonna be a "whole handful!". I keep telling her she's BEEN a handful. Of course I mean that lovingly. There have been some moments where she and I have clashed, I truly think that's because we are so much alike, very strong-willed and very dramatic. I remember life before out biggest P and it wasn't complete until she and her little sister came into our lives. While I may have many more days of drama with her, I pray that I have that opportunity no matter what. She is smart, funny, beautiful, sweet and one of the strongest people I've ever met! Thank you sweet P, for being truly one of my best friends!