Happy 3rd Birthday, Lilly

Lilly,

I can remember the day you were born, three years ago today, so vividly.  I think other than your mommy and daddy, I was the happiest person on the planet. 

Since the day you came into our lives, you have been the biggest joy we could ever hope for.  You are so wonderfully sweet, thoughtful, funny and of course beautiful.  When I see you, I can't wait to give you big hugs and kisses and when I leave you, I miss you and can't wait to see you again. 

I have to say one of the best sights in the world is seeing you walk up to my front door, knocking and announcing "Aunt Beckie, I here."  When I answer the door, you're always there with that pretty smile and those big beautiful blue eyes looking up at me.  Those days are made even better when we get to snuggle in and watch Peter Pan and Wendy together. 

I hope you have a wonderful birthday today, my sweet Lilly.  Aunt Beckie loves you "berry, berry" much!

Halloween Fun

There is nothing like hanging out with kids on Halloween to make you remember how much fun it is!  I couldn't wait to share a few of my favorite Halloween photos from last weekend's event at Waldenwoods.

1.) Lilly as Cinderella 2.) Avery as Super Woman 3.) Jack as Indiana Jones

4.) Mom and Dad-in-law as Mustard and Ketchup 5.) Lilly and Avery

6.) Lilly is rendered speechless at meeting Dora the Explorer

7.) Lilly is a bit cautious after meeting a few other Halloween friends

8.) All the kids gather for a group photo.  L-R: Avery, Jack, Travis, Abby, 

      Peyton and Lilly

A Scrapbook Injury?

Yep, its true.  I believe I have suffered my first scrapbook related injury.  A week or so ago, I was working on a layout with intricate cut-out detail.  I spent a great deal of time cutting out tree branches and leaves and flowers, to create a beautiful effect that seemed to pop off the page.  Trouble is when I removed the scissors from my hand there was a dent on my thumb where the scissors once were.  Yikes.  My thumb was a little numb for a while and still is quite sensitive to the touch.  I'm pretty sure I have suffered nerve damage.  :o)  My point to this story?  Scrapbooking is a tough sport - boys would never be able to handle it. 

Below is the page in which I speak.  The photos of Lilly were taken last fall on a "family reunion" trip to Colorado.  She was having fun playing with her little cousins - and looked pretty darn cute in her pigtails. 

It was worth losing a functional thumb over, wouldn't you say? 

Farewell Paul Newman

Oh how I adored this man.  Not only did I admire his stunning face (I have often said that even in his 80's he was the most handsome man on the planet), but from my perspective he was an incredible human being.  As noted in this CBS News story, he had a soft spot for underdogs in real life, giving tens of millions of dollars to charities through his food company and setting up camps for severely ill children.  He was a man that made things happen, selflessly, for others and whose charm and wit effected millions of people. 

After learning of his death last week, I was compelled to pay tribute to him with this page.  To the left of the movie reel at the top is a list of some of my favorite films of his.  And the photo...well its breathtaking. 

Farewell, Blue Eyes.  You will be missed.