A lil' sneak preview for the homies....

Here is a sneak peak of L's 1 year photos that were done, as always, by the fantastic Kayla K. We just did them yesterday afternoon at the park two blocks from the house. Talk about fast turn-around. Just when I think she cannot top L's last set of pictures.....she goes and does something like this.

You are the greatest thing about me...

Thank you, my beautiful daughter, for the most blessed year of my life. It has gone by so fast, and while thinking of that fact makes me an emotional puddle of goo, watching you grow and learn is the most rewarding and exciting thing I have ever experienced. You are the greatest gift I have ever been given and the greatest thing I have ever done. Happy Birthday Loopy. I love you.

-Mom

It's Official...

We went and got ourselves hitched last weekend. It was truly an amazing day. Here is just a taste of some of our photos for your visual stimulation...

Twice in one day....

For those who haven't heard, we are in the process of purchasing a house....which of course most importantly means I will actually be able to decorate. I have been focused on Lara's room for the time being and while browsing vinyl wall decals on my favorite site ever I came across this...

Which made me giggle a little bit to myself....It is from Xpressions That Stick. She has really cute stuff that is really affordably priced as wall vinyl goes.

I can almost garuntee this little number is going in Lara's fab new room at the new house. Just a taste of things to come....

With May 9th in mind....

You are the poem I dreamed of writing...

The Masterpiece I longed to paint...

You are the shining star

I reached for in my ever hopeful quest

for life fufilled

You are My Child

Now with all things

I Am Blessed.

Easter Bread

As much as I have always loved the holidays....having L around has made me even more excited and dedicated to create lasting tradition. In my attempt to add to our Easter tradition repetiore I decided to take a stab at....drum roll....

Easter Egg Braid Bread

(recipe can be found here...we doubled it)

Initially I thought I would be aided in this endeavor by my mother....but in a surprising change of events...I was joined in the kitchen by this ellusive kitchen helper...

I was pretty amped about this bread...and while Steven pootied out after the bread was mixed....I remained enthusiastic.

The bread turned out great....if I do say so myself. And most importantly, it was delicious. Definitely added to list of yearly Easter traditions for years to come.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter in the event you weren't a stop on the Wolliams family Easter Tour 2010.....(don't feel bad if you weren't...it was pretty much just Minot for a day and then Washburn...)

Cue the Emotional PBS Music....

The greatest insight I have gained since becoming a mother is the following:

"Count your blessings. Take nothing for granted. There are people who would give anything to comfort their crying baby, wake up at 5 am to play, deal with a cranky toddler or a sassy teenager because they no longer have their child with them."

I am having an emotional day today (greatly attributed to the return of Aunt Rose)....and when that happens I feel compelled to write so bear with me.

I am thankful for the aforementioned insight because it has been the most wonderful gift. I will take Lara at her crankiest because it means she is with me....it is a wonderful reminder when you start to get frustrated...

So count your blessings today.....even if they are crabby :)