Christening Gown

Here is one of my favorite photos of all the pictures we took today. This christening gown was worn by my Great Aunt Fran almost 100 years ago. It's a little tattered but for the most part it's in great shape for how old it is. Anyway, it's a beautiful gown and Kate tolerated us taking her picture . . . for the most part.

Bill's Home

Bill brought home a bouquet of flowers for me (lilies are my absolute favorite!) and he brought a train for Isaac. Last night Ike woke up at 3:30 crying for his new train. He went to bed with it and I removed it when he fell asleep. (After all, it is a plastic toy so it's pretty hard.) Anyway, he woke up crying and saying, "I miss Diesel!" Bill went in and scrambled to find Diesel and once it was back in his sight Ike went back to sleep. This boy loves his trains!

All the little children!

My cozy little house was filled to the brink with pitter patter and joyful chatter today! I got to enjoy the company of four children at once:) I just follow them around and watch how much fun they have together. They will include me every once in a while, but mostly just for fixing toys and opening their juice box straws.

Since Bill has been out of town for the past week, the grass has gotten a little out of hand. However, the kids were delighted with the overgrown landscaping and thought they were helping by pulling it out. How sweet are they!

Bill is heading home today and we'll have a nice long weekend together. He was out of town for "defensive tactics" training so he'll know how to defend himself better when he's on patrol. We are thankful that he will be better equipped for work, but we are more than ready to have him home.

I am so blessed to have family in town to keep me company while Bill is gone. My sister came over to give me some "grown up girl time" and she came bearing coffee. We really enjoy sitting around, chatting, and cuddling with the little ones so why not do that together?

Since Ike is three we give him a pretty simple description of what his daddy does: keep the bad guys off the street. So the other day when Aunt Michelle was leaving, Isaac warned her to be careful of the bad guys on the streets! He knows he's not supposed to go in the street so his idea of "bad guys" is anyone who might be in the street. He loves his Aunt and wants to make sure she is safe and therefore needs to warn her.

Well, I now have just three kids here and all of them are sound asleep. I think I'll go read my book!

Vintage Treasures

Yesterday I went over to my Grandmother's house and she had this vintage pin setting out for me. I was more than thrilled as I LOVE pieces with a bit of history. She also set out the latest Country Living magazine where they had a page full of other beautiful pins from the same era. I just love the colors of the pin and can't wait to wear it on a black winter coat! What a great thing to collect and enjoy!

Little Ike

Ike was in his bedroom when I heard a crash, bang, and a boom! I hear Ike in his bravest and most manly voice shout, "I'm okay, Mommy!"

Ike brought me his broken train and I had to tell him that I couldn't fix it. His response was simple, "I need a new one . . . I need a birthday!"

Cinderella

My son is three. He's at the age of such pure innocence and carefree living. So today when he asked politely with his eyes so full of hope, "Dance with me Mommy?" how could I resist? I stopped whatever household activity I was in the middle of and danced with my darling boy. He spinned me around and we swayed back and forth. The joy on his face and the giggles of delight were just priceless. When we finished our dance I thanked him. As I was walking away he shouted, "Princess, come back!"

Today I got to play Cinderella and dance the night away . . . at least until Ike's bedtime. My home is suffering from a bit of neglect, but my heart is filled with love for that chubby cheeked little man!

So This is Love . . .