The big ONE--notes to mm & mf

Mary Matilda,

A year ago today I had ever emotion going through me.  I could not believe that I was going to meet you in October.  Fast forward a year and here we are ready to celebrate the big ONE!!!  I can't really put into words the last year but I can describe you from the moment we met; laid back, happy, active, full of expressions, loving, and full of fight.  I have said this to you before but I so admire the fight that you gave for your sister.  We rocked your world a year ago at 12:40pm and you responded with " ok I can do this".  Not only can you but you did!!! The entire time in the NICU you showed a sence of peace.  You were always calm bad looked snug and cozy.  You  made it easier on momma being content and peaceful.  We love you so much and I'm sure at times in your life you won't understand what I mean by fight but today I was reminded.  You fought for life and won!!! Never lose that fight because I am positive there is nothing you can't do.  Lots of love on this big birthday!!

Momma

Margaret Frances ,

Might Margaret I think back to a year ago today and in my heart I just knew I would meet you.  I was feeling every emotion, one being scared that I wouldn't get to.  My life would not be the same without my 3 girls.  When Dr. Katie said girl I still remember thing no way!! I am one lucky momma.  From the day we met I felt your smile, from the start it was not a face smile but your eyes always had it.  You are always smiling.  Even in the tough first days I remember you flashing a look and everyone would smile.  From day one you wanted to be here and being small was going to stop you, nothing was going to get in the way, even with lack of nutrients, and then even at 2.5lbs.  Maugs you are full of fight and I'm amazed by you.  There will be times in your life that you don't understand what you went through but from May 25, 2011 (when I found out twins) you have fought for life.  You won!!!!! You are one healthy, happy, and smiling one year old!! Never think you can't because I know MIGHTY can !! We love you so much!! Happy 1st birthday!

Lots of love , 

Momma

90 years

Mamo is 90! You would think she was 60. I can only hope and pray I will be just like this at 90.  She is full of life, very in style, super smart, knows everybody, always smiling, throws the best parties, has the most fabulous house, always ready to update or change something, independent, so loving.  The list could go on and on.  

Cheers to all the Mamo fabulousness!

We enjoyed a great morning shopping the KC holiday mart.  

Lunched at the Webster House.  

The fun continued with cousin time!! 5 darling babes!

Even cuter all clean in the tub!

 The celebration continued on Saturday, her actual birthday.  

A birthday brunch and the coolest gift from Sarah.  I have never seen Mamo cry or love a gift more. Truly touching.  The gift was so thoughtful, a book with picture of her life. 

Birthday girl and it was game day Saturday!  Mamo is a huge Missouri fan!

EK by the special E in Mamo's house. E in honor of her great grandfather.  

The day ended with a family plant session. 

 Beautiful home to a beautiful person.  Honored to be part of this celebration.  Happy birthday Mamo!

Birthday time begins

A year ago today I was put on bed rest and living the last week as a party of 3.  I can't believe that week was a year ago... I have looked back at so much as I prepare for this BiG ONE.  Tootie put it in the best word WOW.  Wow we went through a lot, wow we were blessed, and Wow they have come a far way.  The birthday week is underway, I have already cried, laughed so hard, smiles and reflected on what a year it has been.  

We love these babes so much!!! 

Hayride!

I love fall!!! The weather has been fantastic, the leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and lots of pumpkins !!

Fall kicked into gear last week when poppa volunteered to be the main event at the LODO pumpkin patch, the farmer and his hayride!! Ek and the farmer (and me) were so excited.  Poppa has the tractor ready the new wagon all painted, lots of hay and if course a full farmer outfit, overalls and a hat.  It was a very fun morning full of crafts, games, pumpkins but the kids and teacher's favorite was the hayride.  Best poppa!!!

EK at School

There is so much I love about this school and this year the teacher added a weekly picture drop.  LOVE it!!  We are not there to see her in action and I love the Sunday email with all the photos.  EK loves the teachers, her friends, learning, and I love seeing her in action.  The teacher plans to make a year book at the end of the year, so creative.  Her is a glance at EK in September.  Happy little Lamb!

Road trip Party of 5

We have survived our first road trip as a family of 5.  To sum up the trip; a ton of fun with family and friends, a few moments where you think what was I thinking, great memories, not looking to travel for a few weeks but would do it all over!

Started off Thursday afternoon, KY bound to see Auntie Sarah and Uncle John's and their new house.  

These two might have been turned forward for this trip.  Don't judge.  Keeping and active 11 month old happy looking at a seat with the sun in their eyes. Not happening.  They loved the new view!!

So much that they all slept maybe 45 minutes the whole ride.  Happy girls.  We arrived a little off their schedule, no one was ready to sleep.  It was a fun night! Loved the Holcomb's new house.  It was cozy, decorated perfect, it was true southern hospitality.  

The next morning poppa was so excited to head to the Halcomb Farm.  He could not wait!! We left Murray, KY and headed on to Franklin, KY. 

First stop for lunch at favorite of theirs. Great burgers and poppa could not leave without trying the corn dog.  Babies on tables is normal, right!!

Poppa's heaven; farmland as far as the eye can see, big tractor equipment, farm work.  

EK not so sure but loaded the tractor.  It was a beautiful view and loved seeing poppa enjoy it all through ek as well.  Disclaimer I was enjoying the farmland, I'm not so much a farmer or one to enjoy driving long hours in the car keeping kiddos happy but very happy we did it.  Auntie Sarah and Uncle John know everything about the land so it was fun to learn about the surroundings.

Yes poppa checked something off his bucket list.  He rode a combine and harvested corn.  Ek is in that huge thing as well!

We all rode the tractor.  I took the Littles. They enjoyed the ride too.

We visited the Halcomb's home and future Halcomb's home.  Beautiful.  I really wanted to get a cup if coffee and sit on the absolute perfect porch.  The house was amazing and the company even better.  It wa too short but we will be back!

Yes newly potty trained means when you gotta go, you gotta go!!!

Nashville! Seeing good friends makes me feel oh so young again.  Jump back 10 years or more (how can that be so long ago).  Mizzou game day meant party Friday, big tailgate, long day ending with bar hopping and who knows what else.  Current game day changed a little but one thing that has not is hanging out with good friends making memories!

EK: George so big like me!  They loved each other!

Ek may insist on lots of hugs!

Big reason for this trip was to meet this sweet baby.  I didn't get enough snuggles with the whole crew in tow but so glad we met him.  

Sweet Jude!

Momma hen loves "tiny babies" as she says.

5 little tigers 2 and under.  Best picture we could get in the evening after a fun busy Saturday!  Mine and Rachel's trip to the Artisan Festival should be it's own post. Just imagine heat, tired babes, and 2 hungry mommas.  We did it and snuck in a stop in the best Nashville boutique, Tweed.  

It was the best trip and even with a little less sleep than normal for everyone, we look forward to doing it again. 

For now home, schedule, and getting rid of these colds. Why do noses on kids always run?

October Babies!!

Final month countdown to one begins!!  

Today the girls and I joined poppa on his lunch date with Mr. Scott.  Tenderloin Tuesday.  They meet every week same time, same place, staff knows them by name.  No need to order they bring it right out.  Biggest tenderloin ever.  They swear by it.  They end with a huge cookie.  Part that I love is two friends making time each week.  That is a huge challenge these days with everything going on.

Something else I love is our time together on the trail after work.  Blessed that all my kids like a stroller jog.  These two especially just chill!

So a random post.  Bring on October.