My Poor Neglected Blog

As many of you know, I recently began publishing my own local newsletter. If you didn't know, then...I recently began publishing my own local newsletter. It is something I leapt into right before we left for vacation a few weeks ago. Literally right before...I was signing contracts the day before! So then we went on vacation, came back, hosted a couple of small get togethers for Landen's birthday, somehow managed to unpack, reassembled the house, sent Landen off to school for the first time this fall, got ready for the charity event I helped plan, had a night out with just Neil and I alone at the very successful charity event, and then prepped for and headed into the surgery I needed. Yowza...all within 3 weeks time! As you can imagine, I've been running around feeling like I will lose my mind at any second. But I survived and came out intact, with just a small scar to remind me that it all actually happened.

But my blog, my beloved blog, has taken the hit. I have so much that I want to blog about but I just can't do it all individually as I would like. So in my best effort I am just going to post all of the amazing pictures that I have wanted to post but just haven't had time to do.

The sky was amazing that evening...as is my baby girl.

Besties at the nature center...


A well fed baby looks like this...

Landen, Lana, and the boy she will marry (her words!)...

Playing in our resort room while on vacation (before we upgraded)...


Hanging out in the living room of our condo while on vacation (after we upgraded)...

Clearly the giant flat screen TV was more entertaining than taking a picture with Mom...

Such a good big sister...


This is how Leya uses a pacifier. Thinks it's funny....

Well she thinks you're funny...

Downright hilarious...

Cousins plotting against their mamas...

Leya giving the stink eye...

Put me in a room full of babies and I will line them up and photograph them.

Cuddle time.

First day of school...

And we don't want the girls to feel left out so photoshoot time...

Neil and I headed out to the Kentucky Derby themed charity event I helped plan...

I think there should be more occasions where a party hat is appropriate...

Sisters...

I can't help but kiss that cute baby whenever I see her too...

And my three Sweet Loves...

And there! I'm caught up. And I'm finally feeling like I am on top of things again!

"And looking up, I noticed I was late." The Beatles

Landen's Birthday Part Deux

I just had to share this picture. He is so handsome. :)

"Wake up in the morning, I don't feel blue. Cause I know I got you." The Beatles

Landen Turned 5 on Thursday!!

Dearest Sweet Love Landen,

I can not believe you are five years old! It feels like I just brought you home from the hospital a few months ago (but that was actually your look-a-like baby sister). You are by far the coolest person I know. From how to dress to how to style your hair...you exude cool. You describe yourself as a rock star and say things that I would expect to hear from a fifteen year-old, rather than a five year old. Like yesterday you told me, "I can't even get over how awesome I am at this." Referring of course to your mad photography skills, which I'm certain will lead to a career in the arts some day.

As cool as you are, you are still a sweetheart. The night before your birthday you noticed me beginning to get emotional when I was talking to you about being five when you woke up the next day. Ever so lovingly you took my hand and said, "Don't worry mom," (sidebar--when did you stop calling me Mommy?), "I'll always be your baby and cuddle with you." Of course this sent me into tears. My heart loves you so much. And I want nothing more to believe you when you say things like this, but I know better. At some point I will become your nemesis, not allowing you to do what you want, and being the lamest presence in your life, trying too hard to hold onto the little boy who once held my hand willingly. But for now I'll take all the hugs and kisses you offer. And I think you realize how this "turning 5" has affected me more than I try to let on. Wanna know how I know? Before bed last night you came back out of your room after we said goodnight and asked me if I needed another hug and kiss. Somehow you knew that I did and offered. Sweet boy how I love you. More than you will ever know.

At 5 years old you are funny, so protective of your sisters, helpful whenever you can, and want to play all day long. You lose your cool easily when you are tired, and request broccoli, "meat," and cheese pizza for dinner with apple juice on the side. You love building forts, hanging out with your best friend, and getting tossed into the air by your father. You are handsome...so handsome...and really photogenic. Your dad and I laugh at attempted snap shots of our family...usually your baby sister is looking down, Lana is looking away making her signature fake smile, and Dad and I are trying to get the baby to look up and making a weird face in doing so, ...then there you are, magazine cover ready with a million dollar smile. You are becoming so independent. You make your own lunch, and get yourself dressed and ready for the day. You are really a little man.

Often times I stay awake at night thinking about all the funny/amazing/adorable things you did or said that day. Often I become sad at how time seems to go by faster and faster and I see less and less of a little boy in your face. But I always fall asleep smiling at how lucky I am to have you. You are a complete joy and my life would be sad and empty without you. I love you to the moon, all the time, no matter what. And I'll spend my entire life making sure you know it.

Happy birthday to my very first Sweet Love, Landen!

Love, Mommy

See what I mean...

"Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind possessing and caressing me..." The Beatles