Royal Excitement

Our princess watching the British one get married. Coco "ooo'd" and "aahh'd" the whole time. When Princess Kate stepped out of her car, she squealed with royal excitement.

Congratulations to the royal couple: Prince William and Princess Kate!

Easter 2011

Our first family photo with a tripod & I can't believe how well they did!

Looks like if Mommy & Daddy stare at the camera they will too.

Coco couldn't wait to wake "brother" up and tell him the Easter Bunny came.

What a face!

Coco had seen "golden bunnies" in the grocery store for weeks and just knew E.B. would bring her one. She was so excited!

Oh my the patience it took to dye eggs with a 4 year old and 2 year old! Sebasitan kept thinking they were balls, which meant we had a few cracked shells.

Another family picture with a seasonal icon.

Sebastian was a surprisingly great egg finder!

Coco on the "hunt!"

BUSTED!

Big sister stealing eggs from her little brother. Now that's just mean!

Photo Op by the Fountain

Main Street here at Lakewood Ranch is a wonderful place with shops and restaurants and has a fountain in the center of all the action. The kids love it and the beautiful blue skies on this day called for an impromptu photo shoot.

Making faces at Daddy

Making wishes

deep in thought

I wasn't going to include this one because of the chocolate dripping down Sebastian's chin but Donald said that was why he loved it.

Sweet angel face

Sebastian turns 2

I am still in shock that my baby is 2. However, I'm beginning to realize I've got to quit talking to him in that sweet baby voice and toughen up. This is MUCH easier said than done; that sweet boy just melts my heart!

Our first celebration since moving away, this birthday was a quiet one but really good. There was no huge party or the stress that comes along with it. We have been blessed to meet some very good people who I am proud to call friends. Steve & Amanda Crump had us and another couple over for dinner last Saturday. I told her I would bring dessert and that it would likely be cake so Sebastian could at least have the treat of the birthday song and blowing out his candles for an audience. Amanda had her dining area decked out for a party: hats, balloons, streamers, even presents! What a sweet surprise knowing Sebastian would, after all, have a proper birthday party. As he's growing up, more and more of his little personality comes to light. A trait that I can't say I'm super excited to see revealed itself during the birthday song. I think he's going to be a shy guy! Mid-way through, he tucked his head towards Donald and stuck his bottom lip out ready to cry. But just like a big boy would do, he sucked it up, and managed to remain tear free and blow his candles out like champ. (Don't misunderstand me, I don't think there's anything wrong with being shy; it just seems that shyness is a battle people have to fight for a lifetime and it can get in the way of enjoying new opportunities.)

On the day of his birthday, the kids & I went to our weekly storytime at the library. Afterwards, we usually go to the pond/lake in front of the building and feed the fish & turtles. Today, we were greeted by a 4 foot baby gator who swam up to graze on the crumbs along side the fish & turtles. Of course, I didn't have my camera to get a picture. The library was followed by a picnic lunch at the park and a pit stop to Publix for birthday balloons. Grammy & Namps sent him the coolest gift ever: a life size ELMO! I think Coco loves it as much if not more than Sebastian, but they all tucked themselves in bed for the night. Sebastian also got a fantastic box full of goodies from Memaw, Tricia, Hillary and Uncle Drew. I wasn't home when he opened it so there are no pictures that captured the excitement. Donald said he was squealing with excitement at all the candy, books and toys he found inside!

God is so Good

In case any of us ever doubted, God is so GOOD! He is good in the big things and He is good in the small things. This morning, He showed himself to me in a mighty way! Sebastian's birthday is coming up and we wanted to take him to Busch Gardens to celebrate. They have a Sesame Street section that is perfect for little children: full of rides and entertainment designed just for preschoolers and toddlers. Well, our plans were thwarted when we found out I need 4 new tires and Jack needs a $900 surgery. I was crushed. A man in our community group gave the best description between a need and a want I have ever heard. Not having "needs" will cause you to suffer. Not having "wants" will not cause you to suffer. I knew in my heart that while I was so disappointed, going to Busch Gardens was definitely not a need. Other than my pride, nothing was going to suffer without it. God promises to provide needs not greeds, right? Well, Tuesday night we decided to go to Chik Fil A's Family night. Kids meals are free with the purchase of a Value Meal so we all ate for $12! Not to mention, the kids got complimentary ice cream and face paint too. I knew they were doing a raffle for 4 passes to Busch Gardens and honestly, that was the main reason I wanted to go. I RARELY win things but knew we wouldn't win if I didn't register. There's an old Persian proverb I love that says "Trust in God but pack your camel tight." So, I packed my camel tight, registered despite my history of not winning and have not thought another thing about those tickets.

UNTIL...

A lady from Chik Fil A called this morning to say that I had won the 4 passes! When she said the words, tears fill my eyes and I shared with her what an answer to prayer this is. She said that Chik Fil A strives to serve the Lord and that almost every winner always has a similar story to share. How amazing?

I am still speechless and all I can say is GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

Sebastian sitting oh-so-still for his first facepaint: Mickey Mouse.

Coco wanted a sparkly Easter egg; the painter added the scrollwork and flower which Coco loved!

No Place Like Home

Home: that's a loaded word for me. Is it a house? For someone who has lived in 4 houses in as little as 13 months, home is most certainly NOT a house. Is it a town? For someone who just moved nearly 1,000 miles away from my hometown, home is most certainly NOT a town. Webster defines home as "any place of residence or refuge." But for me, home is family. Wherever my family may be, THAT is my home. And now, I'm lucky enough to have 2 places to call home: Florida & Tennessee.

The kids & I took a 9 day vacation to our home called Covington and stayed so busy visiting and loving on our friends & family; it was a stark contrast to our quiet life in Florida. We went to Sesame Street Live, saw my baby brother get married, watched my other little brother become a daddy, visited Coco's preschool (where she got to treated like a total rockstar!) and spent lots and LOTS of time with our family. We also had playdates with dear friends in Memphis, Covington and our cousin A.J. The week ended on a high note for me with dinner at Marlo's with my friends - no highchairs or sippie cups were invited.

I had such a fun time and could have honestly spent another 9 days just hanging out with my mom and sister. I miss those 2 ladies so much.

Here are some photographic highlights of the trip:

All of us at the airport getting ready to take off! This was Coco & Sebastian's first time to fly. The flight to Memphis was a little rough. We provided great entertainment to the man lucky enough to sit beside us. The flight back in to Tampa was a little less eventful and they really enjoyed the ride. We had a renegade pilot with a lead foot. Take offs & landings were full-on "tummy ticklers!" The kids loved it; Momma got a little nauseous!

Uncle Todd & Sebastian Cutest. Picture. Ever.

A.J. and Coco eating perfectly-made PB & J's at Memaw's. They played together so well and had such a great time.

Coco adores baby Braxton. He spent the night after Cory & Shelby's wedding and she would look for him every night after that. She is obsessed with all things baby: pacifiers, bottles, diapers and carseats. Braxton will be the perfect toy for her when he comes to visit us!

Uncle Drew & his fan club!

Cory & Shelby: the beautiful bride & groom

Memaw & Hillary logged lots of lost play time with Coco & Sebastian. Memaw & Sebastian have a very special bond; I love that she's looking at him in this picture and not the camera. Coco would go live with Hillary & Trishy (who declined the photo op) if we would let her!

Morgan & Dave with their sweet Baby Wyatt. I was so happy he made his big debut while we were visiting. He is 7 pounds of perfect and I can't wait to see him again!

The Cousins: Jasper, Jillian, Coco, Sebastian & Jansen

As you can see, Coco was having a "moment." Rumor has it we can thank Grammy's genes for her flare for the dramatic. Only my disgustingly photogenic sister can look that good in jeans and a hoodie! Love & miss you Jai!

Abe, Luke & Coco

Coco just LOVES "her Luke" and while on this playdate Luke professed his love to her. Those 2 get so gooofy around each other it's disturbing! Kress joked that Abe was the 3rd wheel on their date. Who knew CHS Class of 1994 alumni Terry Wayne, Steve & Donald would have such cute kiddos?

Namps & Grammy:

seriously adorable picture!

Sesame Street Live!

Sebastian, Sam Harris, Jansen, Coco & Faith

Mom had extra tickets from the give away she did at the shop so we were lucky enough to get to go see the show for free! It was such a cute show and all of the kids loved it. We could not figure out why Sebastian wanted to sit alone. Who knows? Hopefully, this doesn't give allusion to any social reclusiveness he may have inherited from his Namps. LOL

Happy Birthday Jack!

Today is our first "baby's" birthday and he deserves his own post! Jack is 11 today. He is the world's best dog and despite my frequent complaining, I love him dearly. I joke that he came with the husband but truth be told I wouldn't trade him for anything. When he brings me the stinky stuffed duck or harasses our children for food, I might like him a little less than when he barks to let me know someone is outside or wags his whole body when we come in the door. He has aged quite a bit in the past few years. His sweet face is a LOT whiter than it was and his arthritis gets so bad at night. I unwittingly bonded with him when we made our 1,000 mile move to Florida. I worried about him so much on that 2-day trip. Would he be cold? Would he be okay sleeping in the van? Would he ever wake up from those sedatives?!? (Jack is a horrible car rider so we had to knock him out to make the journey.)

We found out last week that Jack has a tumor in his foot. I'm prayerful (yes, praying for my dog) that the vet can easily remove the cancer and he will be okay. Our family has had so many changes and adjustments lately I'm not ready to say good-bye to our buddy. Coco doesn't have much time for him but Sebastian loves him so much. Sometimes I wish Jack were younger because I know those 2 would have a lot of fun playing together.

Okay, I better turn this around because it's supposed to be a celebration post not a depressing one. So, cheers to Jack and Happy 11th Birthday! We love you so much!