So blessed.

I am so blessed. I can't believe I have a daughter. A healthy, beautiful, smart, funny, loving daughter. I am her mom. For the rest of her life, when she refers to her mom, that's me. I can't describe the joy that she brings to my life every single day. I can't even put it into words how much I love sharing my life with her. I love watching her sleep, chew her food, play with a doll, run through the yard, greet a stranger and sing her favorite songs. When she was a newborn I was always afraid that feeling would go away, but it hasn't. In fact, it continues to grow stronger every day.

I have learned so much since I became a parent. Every day I spend with her is an eye-opening realization of how much God loves me. He loves me so much more than I love Aly! So much more than I could ever comprehend. It blows my mind! If he loves me that much, why wouldn't he forgive my sins, carry me through my every challenge, listen to my every thought, and meet my every need no matter how low of a priority I sometimes make Him? While I never want to see Aly hurt or sad, I know I can't shelter her from all of those experiences because they will make her who she is ultimately called to be. I will always have her best interest at heart and I will always try to look at the bigger picture of her life. No matter what decisions or mistakes she makes, I won't ever love her any less. I would easily give my life for her. Having a child of my own has truly helped me to better understand my relationship to my heavenly Father and it is unbelievably comforting. In the same way, He loves Aly as much as He loves me. He will take care of her. He will be there for her in the same way He has been there for me. It's now our job as her parents to make sure she knows it. I am so thankful to have been given the responsibility of raising this precious girl.

4th of July 2009

We had a great 4th of July weekend! We went to Tulsa to celebrate at Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Kristi, and Holly's house. We had a fun cook-out with family, cooled off on the Slip-n-Slide, watched fireworks, and even went to the zoo! Aly and Holly even got to experience their first "sleepover". What a fun way to spend the holiday!

I don't know who had more fun, the girls or all of us who were watching.



I have been watching my big brother light fireworks my entire life. It was pretty surreal to watch him light them for our very own daughters!

The girls watching the fireworks in their lawn chairs...
(Please take notice of Holly's favorite pink cowgirl boots. I thought they complimented her 4th of July outfit perfectly.)

I just had to add this one...

She works hard for her money...

It's true that Aly is only two and a half, but this is a tough economy we are living in. She needs to start earning her keep and let's face it, her daddy needs some cheap labor. So Aly spent about 15 minutes dusting Daddy's store, which she normally does when we go there, but this time she earned some money for her hard work.


So what would any all American toddler do with her first wages? Ice cream of course. "Pink with sparkles" to be exact. (Also known as strawberry with sprinkles.) It tastes even sweeter when you earn it yourself doesn't it, Baby?

Summer Time!!!

Caroline & Aly
Just look at these bathing beauties!!

We are enjoying our summer together just like we should! Aly and I spend our days playing outside, going for walks, going to the park, visiting the library, shopping, cooking, and laughing all along the way. Today we went to the Aquatic Center with some friends. Aly was so brave and really conquered her fear of swimming pools since last year! I was so proud of her. We had so much fun and can't wait to go back! Thanks for the invite, Caroline!!

Aly likes to move it, move it...

As promised, Layman family, this one's for you.

Our baby girl...an award winning gymnast

I have just experienced the proudest moment in my short time as a mother. My little girl had her first "performance" and won her first "award". We were there to watch as Aly stood proudly in front of a small crowd of people, gleamed with accomplishment, accepted her award, and smiled proudly for the parent paparazzi. It was show day at the Little Gym.

What a performer!

Bubble catching is always a highlight.

Aly's teacher, Miss Stephanie, gives personal attention to all of the kids during each class. She is great at her job. Whenever Aly is doing something new, she always says, "Miss Stesnee, look at me!"



How do you get ten toddlers out of a room where they are given free reign to go crazy? Offer to stamp their hands, feet, and tummies of course!



Mimi and Pops came to watch Aly and brought her flowers to congratulate her on her special day.

This little performance was just the first of many times when I will be a part of a crowd of emotional parents as my baby walks on a gymnastics mat, a stage, a basketball court, or a soccer field and shows us what kind of person she is turning out to be. Believe me, after years of watching my herd of younger siblings grow up too fast, along with past third graders who come back to visit and are a head taller than me, I fully understand how quickly time flies. What was once an ultrasound photo, is now a graduate of her gymnastics class and a pretty incredible little person. I'm not sad to see her grow up. These are truly the moments I've been ready for my whole life. I'm so happy to be a proud spectator on the sidelines, supporting her as she becomes whatever God has called her to be. I love you, Aly!

Babies, Babies!!

It's been an exciting Spring! We finally helped welcome baby Jett and baby Joshua during the month of May. I am so excited to finally meet these precious boys...and to finally be able to sleep without my cell phone on my night stand. Congratulations to my sweet friends, Becky and Hannah!