Labor Day

Ah, 3 day weekends...sure do love 'em.  Since this weekend celebrates Labor Day, I thought it would be a good time to finally tell everyone that my sister is having another baby!  I'm so excited to become an auntie to another beautiful baby.

Several weeks ago, Lilly broke the news to me when she came knocking on my front door with a big smile on her face.  Her happy little voice shouted "I'm gonna be a big sister."  I leaped off of the couch with an inquisitive look to my sister....and she nodded with a smile that it was true.  Wendie is just about four months along now and looking gorgeous.  I took this photo of her last weekend, proudly showing her baby bump.  Can't wait to meet the new little one. 

Have a wonderfully relaxing holiday, everyone! 

Happy Birthday, Momma!

Today is a big day for a pretty young girl I know.......my mom!  Birthday's are a pretty special occasion in my family, because my mom has always made sure of it.  Being a twin, I've always shared my birthday....but my mom makes sure each of us always feel special on our big day.  Every birthday, she makes our favorites - her special "Little Chicken's" and "Chocolate Cherry Cake."  She also goes a million extra miles to get us the most special birthday gifts that are always beautifully wrapped.  Honestly, I think I love my birthday so much because of her.

Momma (remember when I used to call you that?), I wish I could make you feel as special on your birthday as you always do for me.  I hope this little note puts a smile on your face and lets you know that I love you very much. 

A while back, I made this scrapbook page about us, so I thought I would post it today.  As they say...we kinda look alike.  :o)

Happy Birthday!!

Miss You Already

Well, it has been almost a month since my dear friend Emily, and her sweet husband Marc, packed up their bags and moved to Chicago.  I know this is certainly not an eternity, but why does it feel like one??  I have passed by her office countless times since she left - and until today - it felt kind of like she was on vacation.  Today, I am really feeling her absence and wishing I could pop in for a few minutes for one of our cherished chats. 

Don't get me wrong, I could NOT be happier that she has moved back home, near her mom, family and friends and that she has an amazing new job to focus on.  The move was the best thing for her, so for that reason I am thrilled.  But, we're allowed to be selfish sometimes, aren't we?? 

Em, I love and miss you and think of you often!  Hope and I cannot wait to come for a visit very soon.  Hope you like the layout I made as a tribute to you.  :o) 

Becks

"Take Me Out To The Ball Game"

So, I know that I tend to gush over our little sweet pea here....but I can hardly believe how fast she is growing up. She is such a smart, funny, sweet and thoughtful girl. She is also quite the little entertainer. Lilly loves to sing and has quite a few songs in her repertoire. One of her favorites is "Take me out to the ball game," for which she will sing on cue and with vigor.

Recently, at a friend's birthday party, I was able to catch it on video. I love her sweet little voice and how she puts so much power behind certain points of the song. Also, with a party going on in the background, you can see she gets a little distracted toward the end (and is in a big hurry to "take off" in her car after her performance). Pretty cute.

Lastly, although she doesn't do it here, she usually ends the song with a vibrant "Play Ball." I think Daddy has trained

her well. :o)

Enjoy and watch often....I know I have!

Making a Girls Day - Part 2

I must say...I'm a lucky girl!  I have some really wonderful friends.  The other day I received ANOTHER sweet handmade card in the mail.  This card was from my dear old friend, Jen, (not old in age, old in length of friendship)  from my Jacobson's days.   How darling is this card??  The first sentence reads "Just a personal note to make you happy."  Well, let me tell you, it really did.  And more than that, receiving the card has inspired me to "pay it forward" and I will be sending out personal notes to loved ones this weekend.  If I can make someone smile as much as these notes have made me smile, I'll be a happy girl.

Thanks Jen for the beautiful note.  I really love it.

Happy 4th Birthday, Avery

Avery,

You are such a wonderful, sweet little girl.  It is such a joy watching you grow up.  It's great to see you learn new things, play with other little kids and enjoy life.  You have the best laugh of any child I've ever heard and it always makes me smile.

I love that you love dresses and shoes and playing in Aunt Beckie's closet.  I'm so glad your mom won't mind if we go school shopping together someday...although I think she will have to put me on a budget!  Hey, I can spoil you a little, can't I?  Last, but surely not least - I am so happy that you love playing with Barbie's.  I cannot believe my fortune....two nieces that love Barbie's!  Now I don't need an excuse to play dress up with those pretty things.

Well beautiful Avery, I hope you have a wonderful birthday.  Can't wait to see you and give you a BIG birthday hug and kiss.

Love you!