tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27552912911213954122024-03-21T07:11:54.193-07:00Home is wherever we are if there's love there too.Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-79423997956949084212014-02-12T06:52:00.000-08:002014-02-12T06:52:17.872-08:00Wordless Wednesday: Sisterly Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-66835155776190252572014-02-10T11:51:00.002-08:002014-02-10T11:51:48.720-08:00Sweetest. Thing. Ever.<div style="text-align: center;">
Jude Scott,</div>
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You were the cutest thing last night when we were reading your bedtime story.</div>
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I could have sat there and looked at the book with you forever because of the way you were acting.</div>
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You picked your "Baby's First 100 Words" book so it wasn't really a story, just pictures,</div>
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but you were so in to pointing at everything and looking at me to say what the object was.</div>
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This made me so happy because you normally don't sit still for more than a few minutes</div>
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when I read to you. You've always been that way. You'd rather squirm and simply listen to the words</div>
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while you wander around. This has always kind of baffled me since you're such a cuddle bug,</div>
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but that's just the way you are. For that reason, I think last night</div>
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will always be one of my favorite memories of you.</div>
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You were just so cute pointing at the brush </div>
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and then running your fingers through your hair.</div>
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Pointing at the shoes and then trying to slide your feet inside them.</div>
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Catching onto the sign language for "night night" instantly </div>
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then pointing at the sleeping boy and signing "night night."</div>
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Not just pointing, but pounding on the different balls</div>
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and very excitedly saying "ball" with a huge smile on your face.</div>
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Pointing at the lion and making your silly roar sound.</div>
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And then to top it all off, when you decided you were done reading</div>
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you grabbed your paci that was sitting right next to the book, </div>
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stuck it in your mouth, signed "night night" and crawled in my lap.</div>
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Sweetest. Thing. Ever.</div>
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I love you so much Jude Scott. You are so incredible</div>
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and it is such an honor to be your Momma.</div>
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It is my privilege to read you a bedtime story every night</div>
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and to give you one last cuddle before you drift off to dream land.</div>
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Always and forever Little J. </div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-51857619068740322262014-02-04T14:33:00.000-08:002014-02-04T14:33:42.692-08:00This Guy...<div style="text-align: center;">
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....has the biggest toothy grin that puffs up his cheeks and makes his eyes sparkle.</div>
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...has a machine gun laugh that will make you want to start laughing too.</div>
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...is still just as big of a cuddle bug as he was when he was a newborn.</div>
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...can only say a handful of words, but is always jabbering.</div>
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..has recently turned into a very big eater.</div>
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...loves to play with blocks and legos.</div>
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...watches his sisters like a hawk and tries to do everything they do.</div>
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...enjoys coloring with markers, but will do nothing with crayons except try to eat them.</div>
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...knows when he is doing something he's not supposed to and looks back </div>
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at Momma and Daddy with a "I'm a little stinker" grin on his face.</div>
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...tries to climb on any and everything.</div>
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...is quite the little dancer.</div>
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...is very laid back and mellow.</div>
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...laughs at himself when he pretends to talk on the phone.</div>
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...is pretty selective about who he gives kisses out to, and saves most of them for Momma.</div>
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...goes to sleep every night with his big buck and duck.</div>
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...wakes up every morning and points out the mounted big buck on his wall.</div>
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...still has a paci, but only gets it at bed time.</div>
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...laughs with his whole body when he's being tickled.</div>
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...is very loved by all three of his big sisters.</div>
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..melts his Momma's heart on a daily basis with his sweetness.</div>
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...often reaches out his hand and waits for me to hold it before walking off somewhere.</div>
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...flops down on his belly as he pushes his cars forward.</div>
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...is extremely patient and tough when playing with the rough and wild Emma Claire.</div>
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...is still the biggest momma's boy ever.</div>
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...but also loves his Daddy and is always on the hunt for big bucks when he's with him.</div>
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Momma loves you with all her heart Jude Scott. </div>
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You are perfect and your every smile and kiss hold a special place in my heart.</div>
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Always and Forever Little J.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-70416600228189094702014-01-22T09:57:00.000-08:002014-01-22T09:57:57.750-08:00I Have Never Felt More Successful<div style="text-align: center;">
There are days, times, and instances where I have felt like a successful mother,</div>
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but for all of those times there are others when I feel like everything is going wrong,</div>
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my children aren't listening, and I have no idea what I'm doing </div>
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on this crazy journey called parenthood.</div>
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The successful times are full of joy and laughter.</div>
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The not so successful times are full of frustration for both the babies and me,</div>
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but both types of situations present a lesson to be learned.</div>
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Sometimes the lesson is easily identified, while other times it takes some thought and reflection.</div>
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One of my most recent successful moments </div>
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proved to be the type where the lesson was crystal clear from the moment it happened. </div>
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The babies and I were in the car. </div>
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Emma was talking a mile a minute as usual.</div>
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Jude was throwing in his two cents every now and then with a "Momma" or a "bababa."</div>
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Then it got quiet for a few minutes.</div>
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Then in the sweetest, most genuine voice I have ever heard</div>
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Emma said, "Momma, you love me."</div>
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<br />
As soon as I heard those most precious words I knew that although<br />
we may have less than perfect moments together, I am doing something right<br />
in terms of raising these beautiful babies. My most important job as their mother<br />
is to love them unconditionally and to make sure they know that I do.</div>
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Those four simple words proved to me that the strength of my love for our babies<br />
shines through even during the hard times. The cuddles, laughs, hugs, and kisses<br />
are what stands out to them and that makes me happy.<br />
<br />
My goal as their mother is to make sure that the<br />
affection, praise, and encouragement always outweighs the scolding.<br />
I know this might be easier said than done, especially as they get older and<br />
develop thoughts and opinions of their own, but I believe our relationship will<br />
be stronger if I always remember that little squeaky voice coming from the back seat<br />
and strive to reaffirm that childhood belief even during the most trying times.<br />
Although they may not agree, but it will be during those times when they need<br />
my cuddles, laughs, hugs, and kisses the most.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-15083811469044220362013-10-02T12:46:00.000-07:002013-10-02T12:46:25.129-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Simplicity Makes her Happy<div style="text-align: center;">
Emma Claire found so much joy just sitting on the front steps</div>
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watching the squirrels and kicking her feet.</div>
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Life is so simple when you're two.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-1101231511595199362013-10-02T12:17:00.000-07:002013-10-02T12:17:11.319-07:00What I've been up to the Past Two Months<div style="text-align: center;">
The past two months have been absolutely crazy for my family and me.</div>
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After almost three years, we finally said good-bye to Okinawa and moved back to Kansas City.</div>
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<u>The trip home consisted of:</u></div>
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26 hours of traveling</div>
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2 babies under the age of 2</div>
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3 different airplanes</div>
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1 parent</div>
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Yes, I had to travel across the world by myself with both babies.</div>
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Thank you Marine Corps. My husband and I still can't believe </div>
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they booked our flights separately. Thankfully both Emma and Jude were</div>
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incredible throughout the entire trip. They made what could have been an unbearable</div>
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experience quite pleasant. I am so grateful for the blessing of well behaved children.</div>
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Bits and pieces of our long journey home</div>
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Getting out of the Marine Corps was a huge decision for my husband to make.</div>
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It was a decision that he and I both thought long and hard about, prayed about, and</div>
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held many conversations about. We ultimately decided</div>
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that we had already spent way too much time away from Lilly and Raley.</div>
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Our lives, our home, our family were not complete without them.</div>
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It was time to go home and stay home.</div>
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Yes, my husband made a huge sacrifice in terms of his military career,</div>
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but there is nothing more important in life than family</div>
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and it was time to have ours together again.</div>
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Being reunited with our oldest girls and knowing that we will never leave them again</div>
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was worth any sacrifice we had to make.</div>
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There was no greater feeling than being reunited with the girls for the first time.</div>
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We ended up leaving Japan at the perfect time because </div>
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we made it home just before Lillian Grace started kindergarten.</div>
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I am so glad she was able to have her Daddy there for this big milestone</div>
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in her life. I know it meant a lot to Joshua that he was there for it.</div>
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Lilly is such an intelligent and imaginative little girl.</div>
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She has the capability to do incredible things with her life and to touch the lives</div>
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of many people with her genuine concern for others. Her Daddy and me</div>
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are so excited to be home with her so we can help her reach her greatest potential. </div>
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Lilly's first day of kindergarten.</div>
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Unfortunately Jude Scott was sick for almost the entire first month that we were home.</div>
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It started with the usual cold like symptoms that the babies always suffer through after flying,</div>
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but instead of going away after a week like they normally do they just got worse.</div>
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Turns out Little Man had his first ear infection. The first round of antibiotics didn't clear it up</div>
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and he also developed an upper respiratory infection. </div>
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My baby boy was miserable. It broke my heart. I felt so helpless. </div>
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All he wanted to do was cuddle with his Momma so that's exactly what he got.</div>
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Sharing sweet cuddles with my sick baby boy.</div>
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Shortly after our return home my baby girl turned two years old.</div>
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I'm still not sure how it's possible that she's two, but from the moment I first held her</div>
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to the moment I watched her blow out her candles she has been bringing me so much joy.</div>
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She has amazed me with her beauty, intelligence, and sweetness every single day</div>
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for the past two years and I know she will continue to for the rest of my life.</div>
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She is truly something special and my love for her is impossible to explain.</div>
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Even though she was sick, I think she had a good birthday.</div>
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The husband and I celebrated our three year anniversary on September 17.</div>
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This year was the first year we actually got to go out on an anniversary date,</div>
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and although we didn't do anything fancy it was a wonderful night spent just being "us."</div>
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The past three years have been full of big decisions and major life events </div>
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(some joyous, some stressful, some sad), but through it all our love for each other has</div>
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continued to grow. We are more in love today than we were on the day we said "I do"</div>
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and to me that is so incredible because we were already so deeply in love.</div>
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My husband, my Joshua Scott, my best friend is my everything today and will </div>
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continue to be until the day I die. I love you Handsome Man.</div>
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Marrying this man changed my life and filled it with so much love and happiness.</div>
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Yes, this is how we acted on our anniversary date.</div>
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We left our ocean view and sandy beach behind when we left Japan,</div>
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and it appears as if Jude decided to leave his baby stage behind as well.</div>
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He is a pulling up and climbing on everything little monster.</div>
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He's a rascal and he knows it. He looks back at Daddy and me</div>
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before doing something he knows he's not supposed to then flashes us</div>
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a huge smile, shakes his head, and laughs hysterically.</div>
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It's just about the cutest thing in the world. He's fearless and daring</div>
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which worries me a little bit. He is definitely all boy and there is no doubt that</div>
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we are going to have our hands full with him. Thankfully he's still a huge Momma's boy</div>
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so I still get lots of kisses and cuddles, all of which I embrace, cherish, and love.</div>
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This boy melts me heart.<br />
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On top of all that we have been house hunting since before we even got back to Kansas City.<br />
We've probably looked at 1,000 houses online and been to 100 in person, at least. </div>
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As usual, the process hasn't exactly gone smoothly. We have made an offer on a total of four homes,</div>
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one of which we went under contract on only for it to fall through at the last minute. </div>
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Luckily we have found another great house since then and everything seems to be on track </div>
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for us to move in in just over a month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.</div>
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We've also had to shop for two new cars since we both sold ours before moving to Japan.</div>
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I've always said that I never want to own a mini van, but I must admit that I am</div>
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absolutely loving my new "Momma Wheels." The convenience of a mini van</div>
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definitely outweighs the stylish looks of my old Chevy Traverse.</div>
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But the most stressful part of this transition phase we are in has been</div>
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not having any of our stuff from Japan. We have been living out of two suitcases</div>
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and a couple of boxes we personally shipped for the past two months.</div>
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We have not seen any of our household goods, most of our clothes, and the </div>
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majority of the babies' toys since the end of July so day to day life has been a little inconvenient.</div>
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Thankfully my mom set us up with the basics </div>
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(dishes, a couple pots and pans, silverware, and some toys)</div>
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other wise we'd really be having a rough time. She has been a huge help to us.</div>
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All of our stuff finally arrived in Kansas City about a week and a half ago,</div>
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but we can't get any of it until we move into a house so I really hope this one works out. </div>
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Trying to get everything situated and organized has meant a lot of running around</div>
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and dragging the kids from place to place, appointment after appointment. </div>
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It's a good thing we are able to fill what spare time we do have with moments like these...</div>
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Watching our kids play together is such a blessing.</div>
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Yes, it's been a crazy two months, but our family is together.</div>
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We are happy, healthy, and ready to start this next chapter of our lives</div>
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creating incredible memories together. I welcome any further craziness that comes up along</div>
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the journey because the six of us can laugh and smile through anything.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-25141825415320059332013-09-12T19:28:00.000-07:002013-09-12T19:29:10.632-07:00Momma's Little Ball Player<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is how Jude spent the majority of his day today.</div>
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Chasing after, rolling, and throwing balls are definitely his favorite things to do.</div>
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He may be a Momma's boy right now, but he's going to be one tough</div>
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ball player in just a few short years. I can't wait.</div>
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Chasing after the balls.</div>
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Watching his great throws.</div>
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Such a boy!</div>
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Oops, hit himself in the head!</div>
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A post summarizing my last month and a half is in the works.</div>
<br />Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-9342047713459288992013-07-21T06:11:00.001-07:002013-07-21T06:13:38.676-07:00The Park is our Happy Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her pony tail bouncing on top of her head as she runs.</div>
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His big gummy smiles that light up his whole face.</div>
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Her cheeks turning red as cherries from playing so hard.</div>
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His contentment in watching his big sissy run wild.</div>
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Her fearlessness in trying to climb every ladder, rope, and net.</div>
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His eyes showing their true blue color in the sunshine.</div>
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Her high pitched squeals as she comes down a slide.</div>
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His consistent finger chomping when being pushed in the swing.</div>
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Her friendliness toward every kid there.</div>
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His big belly laughs when he is thrown in the air.</div>
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Her genuine excitement when she realizes where we are.</div>
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These are what make every trip to the park so incredible.</div>
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Jude's first time swinging at the park.</div>
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Jude's first time going down a slide.</div>
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Nothing cuter than a group of little girls playing together and holding hands.</div>
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Our attempt at family pictures make me laugh.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-71801056400442630682013-07-18T15:43:00.001-07:002013-07-18T15:43:13.671-07:00She Understands the World around Her<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the conversation I had with Emma this morning.</div>
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<u><b>Me:</b></u> Emma, what do you want for breakfast?</div>
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<u><b>Emma:</b></u> Toooast! (she walks over to the fridge)</div>
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<u><b>Emma:</b></u> I reeeeeach. (stretches her arms above her head trying to get the bread)</div>
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<b><u>Me:</u></b> I don't think you can reach that high baby.</div>
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<u><b>Emma:</b></u> I climb. (puts her foot on the door of the fridge)</div>
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<u><b>Me:</b></u> Don't you dare try to climb up there.</div>
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<b><u>Emma:</u></b> I fall, hurt self. (pats her head)</div>
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<u><b>Me:</b></u> Yes, that would be a big fall.</div>
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<u><b>Emma:</b></u> Momma be saaaaad.</div>
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<u><b>Me:</b></u> You're right, baby. Momma would be very sad. I don't like it when you fall.</div>
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<u><b>Emma:</b></u> No. (smiles and runs out of the kitchen)</div>
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She is such a big girl and I absolutely love being able to hold conversations with her.</div>
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Her tiny little voice and facial expressions make my day. She is truly a special girl.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-39823849091199902492013-07-11T18:52:00.002-07:002013-07-11T18:54:19.669-07:00"Biiiiiig Bow"<div style="text-align: center;">
Jude's morning nap time was arts and crafts time for Emma and Momma today.</div>
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I thought it would be fun to make a big Minnie bow with my little Minnie loving girl.</div>
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This was so easy to do and Emma absolutely loved it. She kept saying "biiiiiiig bow" </div>
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the whole time she was putting all the little circles on it. I absolutely love how this quick and easy</div>
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project turned out. This simple construction paper creation will be cherished forever</div>
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and I look forward to showing it to Emma when she is older and sharing its story with her.</div>
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Once the bow was complete and Emma marveled over her masterpiece for awhile,</div>
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she quickly turned from excited to upset. She was not happy that she couldn't actually </div>
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wear the bow. You would have thought the world ended. The bow almost had a very short</div>
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life span because my wild thing just about tore it in half. Luckily my creative juices were flowing this morning and I quickly taped the bow to the wall and had Emma stand under it so it appeared</div>
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as if she was wearing it. This was good enough for my sassy girl and her sweet smile returned.</div>
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Then she decided that Minnie needed to wear the bow.</div>
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I love doing these special little activities with my baby girl when we have one on one time.</div>
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She may still be too young to remember them, but I will always be able to share the story with her.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-44920552271431312902013-07-10T17:17:00.004-07:002013-07-10T17:17:42.302-07:00Wordless Wednesday Part 2: Best Breakfast Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know I already did a Wordless Wednesday, </div>
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but this just happened and I thought it was too cute not to share.</div>
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Emma decided to make eggs for breakfast this morning. </div>
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Stirring</div>
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When she helps me cook it is always her job to dump things</div>
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into the bowl so she had to dump her eggs into a different pan.</div>
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Adding a little bit of spice.</div>
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Taste test</div>
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Transferring to the table.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-40533429362950546092013-07-10T14:51:00.003-07:002013-07-10T14:51:59.268-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Splish Splash <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-75158728893614035992013-07-05T20:57:00.000-07:002013-07-05T20:57:48.671-07:00Celebrating the Red, White, and Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The 4th of July was always my favorite holiday growing up.</div>
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It was usually spent at the lake soaking up as much sunshine as possible.</div>
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Our lake house was definitely my favorite place throughout childhood.</div>
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The week of the 4th was basically a week long celebration with the whole family.</div>
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Mattresses and couch cushions spanned the entire upstairs floor so all of us cousins</div>
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had a place to sleep. Lunch time was spent eating sandwiches and chips as quickly and as quietly</div>
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as we could. We ate quickly so we could get back down to the dock as soon as possible. </div>
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That was our choice, but we ate quietly so my Grandpa could hear his soap operas.</div>
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That wasn't really our choice, but he never missed a day of his beloved shows</div>
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and it wouldn't have been the same without them on in the background.</div>
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Who would have thought that years later I would find myself watching one of the same</div>
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soap operas? Silly, special, or maybe a little bit of both?</div>
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Being at the lake house also meant countless games of dominies played in the sunroom</div>
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with a certain cousin peeking under the glass table before picking his next domino.</div>
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Quieter games of 31 were also a good source of entertainment during the evenings</div>
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or on a rainy day. Boat rides usually involved arguments over who was going to sit in the tip</div>
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and who was going to have to be stuck in the back with the adults. None of us cousins</div>
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ever seemed to get enough turns on the wave runner and the railings of the dock</div>
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were always lined with towels, ski belts, and life jackets. Many paddle boat rides were taken </div>
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so we could sneak off and jump in the water without our life jackets on. Yes, parents,</div>
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aunts and uncles, this happened on a regular basis. Weren't we clever? </div>
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Going to eat Mickey Mouse pancakes or to Shooters was a special treat, while trips</div>
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to Buck Creek (or Butt Crack as we called it) were a regular occurrence.</div>
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Adventures on the golf cart were just that, adventures. If Grandma, Grandpa, </div>
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or Uncle Jeff would have known how many times we got that thing stuck </div>
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we would have been in so much trouble. Tubing was loved by far more than skiing was.</div>
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The tube was often tied to the dock so we could wrestle in it and try to knock each other out</div>
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while singing "teeter totter, pee in the water." Toads, lightning bugs, and sunfish</div>
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were caught and released. Bigger fish were caught by Nick and Justin.</div>
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If not as many people were down for the weekend and a few of the kids were lucky</div>
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enough to get a room, we always wanted the duck room. There were several attempted swims</div>
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across the cove or efforts to keep up with Aunt Jenni on her laps. Pee island was our exit</div>
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from the Main Channel and the sign that our boat ride was coming to an end, </div>
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which was sometimes a relief when it was the slow kind of boat ride when it seemed </div>
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like all we did was look at houses. My aunt spent ungodly amounts of money on fireworks</div>
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and my Grandpa made sure us kids picked up every last piece of trash off the boat ramp.</div>
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That was my childhood 4th of Julys and this is a glimpse of what </div>
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4th of July looks like now that I'm an adult with a family of my own.</div>
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She can't go anywhere without doing the Hotdog Dance.</div>
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These pictures do not truly capture Emma's excitement over the fireworks,</div>
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but I will always remember her pure joy. She absolutely loved the big splashes of color in the sky.</div>
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Every time the sky lit up with the magic of fireworks she clapped her hands and asked for more.</div>
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Her smile and happiness will forever be one of my favorite 4th of July memories.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As the pictures show, Jude didn't exactly share his big sissy's excitement.</div>
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He was less than impressed with the loud booms, but I think this mostly had to do with</div>
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the fact that he was really sleepy instead of the actual fireworks themselves.</div>
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I'm hoping he will find the joy in them next year.</div>
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I hope I am able to make the 4th of July as special for my kids as it was for me.</div>
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I want them to enjoy the family time, but also recognize and appreciate the true meaning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
behind the holiday. Here's to the first year of making that dream a reality.</div>
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<br /></div>
Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-66712591205328248682013-07-03T05:30:00.000-07:002013-07-03T05:30:00.409-07:00Longing Eyes<div style="text-align: center;">
Little J,</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think you and I would both really like it if you just took off crawling today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems as if you are starting to get frustrated that you are not cruising </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
right along side your sister yet. You have started watching her like a hawk</div>
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with what appear to be longing eyes. Longing to be running wild with your Sissy</div>
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and into your Momma's open arms for a big hug and squeeze.</div>
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But don't worry little boy, you will get there one day very soon and then</div>
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you will have plenty of time for adventures with all three of your big sisters. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The memories the four of you will create together will be so special.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-90652693631941081812013-06-30T23:22:00.000-07:002013-06-30T23:42:10.894-07:00Turning Insignificance into Treasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What's the best thing to do with a random piece of wood you have laying around the house? </div>
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Give your toddler some paint and some brushes and let her have at it.</div>
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That's what went on in our house Saturday morning and it was so much fun.</div>
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Emma is getting more intentional with her painting and coloring</div>
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and I am absolutely loving all of her creations. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't figured out what I'm going to do with this masterpiece yet,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it is definitely going to be displayed some how. I absolutely love it. It is beautiful. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love it when something so insignificant turns into such an incredible treasure.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a border="0" href="http://www.morethanmommies.net/2013/04/lets-mix-things-up-more-than-mommies.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r578/MoreThanMommies/Mixer3.jpg" /></a></div>
Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-92090475965011780272013-06-26T21:58:00.000-07:002013-06-29T21:41:57.226-07:00Ways to Tame my Wild Thing<div style="text-align: center;">
My Emma Claire is a wild girl full of energy.<br />
She is always bouncing all over the house and running from room to room.<br />
She fills every inch of our house with laughter, screeches, and the pitter patter of her little feet.<br />
I embrace her free spirit and encourage her love to play, but there are times when<br />
I need her to be a little calmer, a little less crazy, and a little more focused on one particular thing<br />
so I can get a couple of chores done around the house or cook dinner.<br />
I include her in my chores as much as possible, but there are some things that just aren't<br />
compatible with my Wild Thing. Now that she is tall enough to reach the countertops I don't<br />
like her to be in the kitchen while I'm cooking as much. Knives and a hot stove<br />
are easily within her reach now so I often set her up with some sort of activity that I know<br />
will keep her entertained for an extended period of time. This usually gives me<br />
just enough time to complete whatever task I am trying to tackle.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are three things I've been using lately that Emma seems to really enjoy...<br />
<br />
A bucket full of dry beans, spoons, scoops, and cups.<br />
She loves scooping and pouring the beans from one cup to the next.<br />
Another one of her favorite things to do with the beans is to bury one of her<br />
little Minnie Mouse figures under the beans. I always hear her saying<br />
"Where'd Minnie go?" and then I hear the sound of the beans being moved around<br />
followed by her little squeaky voice saying "There she is!"</div>
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And for some reason, she always ends up standing in the bucket. </div>
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I think she likes the way it feels under her feet.</div>
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Another activity I have been using lately simply involves a colander and a bunch of pipe cleaners.<br />
I give her everything and then let her loose with it. She twists and folds the pipe cleaners,<br />
sticks them in the colander, and pulls them out. Sometimes she puts both ends of one pipe cleaner<br />
into two different holes and sometimes she only puts one end in leaving the other one<br />
sticking out any which direction. Sometimes she sticks two different pipe cleaners into one hole.<br />
Sometimes she pulls each pipe cleaner out one by one and sometimes she flips the bowl over<br />
and shakes them all out. Whatever she does she has a good time with it and that's all that matters. </div>
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Another way I keep my wild girl occupied is with a couple of bowls, </div>
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some spoons, and several ice cubes. Emma absolutely loves this.</div>
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The first time I gave her these things she kept running over to me every few minutes</div>
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and saying "Brrrrr, cold." It was so cute and I couldn't help but laugh at her</div>
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every single time. She likes to shake the ice cubes around in the bowl</div>
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and hear the sound of them circling around it or clanking into each other.</div>
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She likes to pour the ice from one bowl to the other and she likes to try to scoop</div>
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the cubes up with a spoon, but that is a little more difficult for her.</div>
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Another thing she did the first time I set her up with this activity was bring </div>
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the bowl over to me after she had been playing for awhile with a very confused look on her face.</div>
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She held the bowl out to me and said "water bowl Momma." She was so perplexed</div>
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and I thought it was the cutest thing in the world.</div>
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Providing Emma with these kinds of activities </div>
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gives her the opportunity to tinker with things and discover all the</div>
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different ways she can use them and play with them. </div>
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I love seeing her engrossed in and learning from these type of activities</div>
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<a href="http://dawnsdisaster.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Super Sunday Sync"><img alt="Super Sunday Sync" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XF-xK9VRXUk/UQBOJgMRybI/AAAAAAAAA6I/NDpd9KKUDag/s200/SSS+Button_NEW2.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-4511318759440912492013-06-26T06:14:00.004-07:002013-06-26T06:14:40.003-07:00Wordless Wednesday: I Want them to Always be Best Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-16209228104322938532013-06-26T05:56:00.001-07:002013-06-30T23:34:31.182-07:00Jude Scott: 6 Months<div style="text-align: center;">
My Sweet Little J Bird,<br />
<br />
I'm still not used to the fact that you, my baby boy, are half a year old.<br />
I've had a week and a half to get used to the idea, but it's still unbelievable to me.<br />
I find myself wondering where the time has gone since I first held you in my arms<br />
and I realize that it has been nestled up during middle of the night feedings, it has been<br />
shrieking with laughter during countless tickle sessions, it has been gobbled up with the taste of<br />
your tiny baby feet, it has been splashed upon with great joy during bath time, and it has<br />
steadily moved forward with every turn of the page during bedtime stories.<br />
Six months full of these wonderful moments that I cherish and love have come and gone,<br />
and although it makes me a little sad to watch your days as a baby soar past me,<br />
I know these memories will last forever in my heart. They will rest easy<br />
knowing that you are a happy, healthy, and sweet boy and because<br />
I find a new reason to love you even more every single day. <br />
<br />
Jude Scott, you amaze me and truly capture my heart on a daily basis.<br />
You are such an affectionate little boy and I love every hug and squeeze<br />
you share with me. I love laying next to you and talking to you because you always<br />
wiggle and twist your way right up against me and bury your head in my chest.<br />
Although you are mobile now thanks to your crazy rolling, scooting, and spinning you<br />
still love to be cuddled just as much as you did as a newborn and that makes me<br />
happier than you will ever know. Even if they only last a few seconds at a time,<br />
our special snuggles bring me the greatest joy. There is nothing else like them in the world.<br />
<br />
You have grown and developed a lot this past month. You finally decided<br />
that it's okay to consistently roll from your tummy to your back so now you move yourself<br />
from one end of the room to the other. If I put you down on a blanket to play you are off of it<br />
within a few minutes. I don't know why I even still bother with the blankets.<br />
You can sit up by yourself and you are starting to intentionally get yourself out of<br />
the sitting position by leaning forward and then kicking your legs out behind you instead of<br />
just falling over to one side or the other. You get up on your hands and knees and rock<br />
all the time. You are trying so hard to crawl and as a result of this you have taken your first<br />
face plant into the floor. You are able to get your knees moving, but your arms are still holding<br />
you back from being a completely mobile little man, but I don't think that will be the case<br />
for much longer. You get stronger every day. You are also so close to waving hi.<br />
When I wave to you you raise up and open your hand. You don't quite have<br />
the motion down yet, but I think you are just days away from getting there.<br />
<br />
I have loved every single moment of these past six months Little J,<br />
even the ones that have occurred when you awaken me from my sleep in the middle of the night.<br />
I absolutely love taking care of you. It is my most important responsibility and my<br />
most rewarding job. Thank you for your sweet smiles and your gentle hugs. <br />
They make my job as your Momma so easy. I love you Little Man. <br />
<br /></div>
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My big boy wants to be crawling so bad.</div>
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I call these last two "Trying to go Home."</div>
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Six Month Photo Comparison</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKuMHwX-jPAJ_SpjcLPmhda9zcvE0CeBXEl8r8YFMIDxU8AOrgrxRWHZiy0Fndho_UDyTgytBx-Vta846C1KICsBS_g4OEOk49uI3KRDfwJmLKFHqxQGMXDReLNL4NdDe7JKYEFyPcQ/s1600/6+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKuMHwX-jPAJ_SpjcLPmhda9zcvE0CeBXEl8r8YFMIDxU8AOrgrxRWHZiy0Fndho_UDyTgytBx-Vta846C1KICsBS_g4OEOk49uI3KRDfwJmLKFHqxQGMXDReLNL4NdDe7JKYEFyPcQ/s1600/6+months.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://beautyinthemess.com/category/babies-and-beyond/" title="Babies and Beyond"><img alt="Babies and Beyond" src="http://beautyinthemess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Babies-and-beyond-button-butterflies.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-77879277372563315422013-06-20T23:32:00.001-07:002013-06-20T23:38:05.673-07:00We Need to Feel the Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We live extremely close to the flight line that's on the Air Force Base over here</div>
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and for the past three weeks or so there have been jets taking off nonstop.</div>
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They literally fly right over our building and they are still extremely low when they do</div>
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so they are insanely loud. Depending on where you are standing in our apartment when they fly overhead, you can feel the building shake. And to make matters worse, </div>
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they always fly in pairs or groups of four so their deafening roar comes back to back.</div>
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One day I counted twenty different jets within an hour. It's been that bad.</div>
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Because of this we have not been able to go outside much lately.</div>
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I don't know if the jets hurt Jude's ears or if they just scare him, but every time </div>
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they take off and we are outside he cries. Emma runs to me, grabs whatever part of me she can</div>
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and holds on for dear life. As a result, we have spent multiple days, entire days, </div>
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cooped up in our apartment and staring at the beautiful beach and ocean that seem to be </div>
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calling our names. The glistening ripples in the water and the piles of coral </div>
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are just a tease at this point.</div>
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Last week I finally decided that enough was enough. We were all getting a little stir crazy.</div>
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We decided to take Daddy to work a couple different days so we could have the car</div>
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and go to the park. The fresh air and sunshine were exactly what all of us needed.</div>
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It's amazing how much of a difference getting out of the house and being able</div>
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to play outside makes for both the babies and me. All of our attitudes changed </div>
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as soon as our faces felt the warmth of the sun and the wind blew through our hair.</div>
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There is nothing better than the freedom to run, climb, yell, and scream that being outside allows.</div>
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I love that Jude is old enough to play by himself on a blanket </div>
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so I can help Emma climb on the playground.</div>
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This is one slide loving girl.</div>
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Jude's first taste of grass.</div>
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Rocking away on the elephant.</div>
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Little J loves being outside.</div>
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Momma and Baby Girl going down the slide together.</div>
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Just hanging out with my J Bird while Sissy runs wild.</div>
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I love that I have outside babies.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-54213604780336590342013-06-19T01:06:00.001-07:002013-06-19T01:06:23.029-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Jude's First at Bat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJtZOFQxUawnl27WEd6Yz-FA4fPoawaU5Se3PSW_OUgKHLkge2e8QygFRpsrwnPcKFqIp0c3dLCiCB7d_bQEbiA1sOY9kgm4PGxjpBDbNCcVd_yJ3zJQJ3WB-9c_UItB8aKnNflqljg/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJtZOFQxUawnl27WEd6Yz-FA4fPoawaU5Se3PSW_OUgKHLkge2e8QygFRpsrwnPcKFqIp0c3dLCiCB7d_bQEbiA1sOY9kgm4PGxjpBDbNCcVd_yJ3zJQJ3WB-9c_UItB8aKnNflqljg/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-47606457238854132682013-06-18T23:03:00.001-07:002013-06-20T23:44:54.937-07:00Her Future Already Looks Bright<div style="text-align: center;">
Emma is very quickly nearing two years old. She is learning, developing, and growing<br />
at lightning speed. She is even starting to shed off some of her precious baby rolls,<br />
although that process is still moving slower than anything else.<br />
My little girl is progressing in so many ways, all of which amaze me,<br />
but there is one in particular that completely blows my mind and makes me very proud.<br />
Not only is my Emma Claire sweet and funny, but she is also a very polite little lady.<br />
She says<b> please</b>, t<b>hank you</b>, <b>you're welcome</b>, and even <b>bless you</b> when<br />
someone sneezes. Now she doesn't say these things in every situation where they would<br />
be appropriate, but she says them on a very consistent basis without being prompted to do so.<br />
This fascinates me because this is not something the husband and I<br />
have specifically worked with her on. Sure there have been a few times here and there<br />
when we have asked her to say please or thank you; we haven't completely<br />
neglected this aspect of her development, but it's not something we have put a whole<br />
lot of effort in to. I guess this is just proof that she learns so much simply by<br />
watching, listening, and interacting with Daddy and me. The behavior that we as her parents<br />
model, every single aspect of it, is so influential on her personality and her attitude.<br />
She sees and hears something once and it is forever embedded in her impressionable mind.<br />
To me, having manners and using them is a sign of respect and consideration of others.<br />
I believe being polite and well-mannered are extremely important values for someone to possess,<br />
and unfortunately I think they are severely lacking in both children and adults in today's society.<br />
Since Emma has picked up on these basic yet crucial social behaviors at such a young age<br />
hopefully they will be so deeply rooted in her personality that they will remain a part of her<br />
throughout her childhood and even into her adult life. You can never make a first impression<br />
twice and I believe a person's manners speak very loudly about their character as a whole.<br />
I am under the impression that my beautiful daughter is not only well on her way to making several<br />
great first impressions, but that she also has the characteristics and values to make those first<br />
impressions hold true and that makes me extremely happy and proud.</div>
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I couldn't ask for anything more. My baby girl has a very bright future ahead of her.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-80955062011789706642013-06-12T05:18:00.002-07:002013-06-12T05:22:32.802-07:00A Glimpse into the Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other day I was sitting in the chair and feeding Jude a bottle.</div>
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He was dozing off and Emma had just gone down for her nap so the house was quiet.</div>
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I was just sitting there looking out the window getting lost in my thoughts...</div>
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<i>I can't believe how big both of my babies are.</i></div>
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<i>When are we going to leave the island?</i></div>
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<i>Should I try a new recipe for dinner tonight or stick to what I know?</i></div>
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<i>I have a lot of research to do about homeschooling.</i></div>
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<i>The ocean is so beautiful. I wonder if I'll miss it when we leave.</i></div>
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<i>I hope this ends up being a good nap for Jude.</i></div>
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<i>I'm more than ready to see Lilly and Raley again.</i></div>
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Then my thoughts were interrupted when a bird landed on the balcony.</div>
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I think this was the first time I had seen a bird </div>
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actually on the balcony instead of perched on the railing.</div>
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This little bird held my attention for a good ten minutes.</div>
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When it landed, it had a bug in its mouth. I thought that in itself was pretty cool.</div>
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I couldn't think of another time I had seen a bird with something actually in its mouth.</div>
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It's probably happened, I just didn't pay much attention to it.</div>
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For some reason this time was different. I immediately started to think about</div>
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how in a few short years Jude would probably think this was the coolest thing in the world.</div>
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But then the bird started tossing the bug across the balcony, which is definitely cooler</div>
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than just holding it in its mouth. As I watched this little creature play with an ever littler creature</div>
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I was literally laughing. Not so much at the bird, but at the images</div>
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that were flashing through my mind of Jude at age 5 or 6 sitting at the window</div>
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and being fascinated by this great display of nature. </div>
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I imagined him pumping his fists, shouting things like "awesome,"</div>
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and smiling from ear to ear. Then the bird made this little glimpse into the future</div>
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even more exciting for me. It ate the bug. </div>
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Now I imagined Jude jumping up and down and laughing uncontrollably. </div>
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Finally, the bird flew away and I was left with images of my little boy turned big boy.</div>
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I looked down at my sweet baby sleeping in my arms and smiled. </div>
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Although I am in no way ready for my precious baby boy to be grown, </div>
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I can't help but be excited for the "dirt on his face and bugs in his pockets" phase.</div>
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I know it will bring great laughter and cherished memories. </div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-90916017510405944492013-06-12T04:17:00.000-07:002013-06-12T04:17:01.112-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Minnie Fanatic<div style="text-align: center;">
The girl is obsessed.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-59930467936338341102013-06-09T05:11:00.000-07:002013-06-09T05:11:08.386-07:00Why I Love the Weekends: Lazy Mornings<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday mornings are often my favorite part of the entire week.</div>
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Although we get up at the same time as we do every other day of the week, </div>
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the mornings are spent waking up slow. Daddy doesn't leave. </div>
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We all hang out in the living room, usually all four of us on the couch.</div>
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At least for a little bit until Emma can't be still anymore.</div>
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We cuddle. We watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as a family,</div>
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meaning even Momma and Daddy get into singing and dancing to the Hotdog Song.</div>
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Daddy cooks breakfast (he's a way better cook than Momma will ever dream about being)</div>
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and we usually eat in the living room. We laugh and play. </div>
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We spend time together as a family creating memories and growing our happiness,</div>
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which is really what life is all about.</div>
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755291291121395412.post-72663891063460414162013-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:002013-06-09T16:57:09.235-07:00Tiny Arms Give the Biggest Hugs<div style="text-align: center;">
My sweet, sweet boy,</div>
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You have been making me happy long before you even came out of my belly,</div>
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but the joy you have created for me the past few days has been a sweeter, more rewarding kind of bliss. Jude Scott, you have been showing affection towards me and it is the most<br />
precious thing in the entire world. I don't know the words to accurately describe</div>
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the way each one of your hugs makes me feel. The best I can do is to say that they provide me<br />
with the deepest, purest, and most genuine kind of happiness I have ever felt.<br />
I believe the love a parent has for his or her child is already the greatest and strongest kind of love<br />
one can experience, and once the child begins to reciprocate those feelings<br />
the love only magnifies. And let me tell you Jude Scott,<br />
my heart is bursting with love for you right now. <br />
You are the sweetest boy. I want to hold you just a little bit longer<br />
and squeeze you just a little bit tighter each time you wrap your arms around my neck. <br />
Every embrace that we share, the sound of your grunts and giggles, the feeling<br />
of you nestling your head into my shoulder, the touch of your little fingers grabbing<br />
my neck and hair, the tapping of your feet against my stomach,<br />
I love it all. Each hug holds so much love and I cherish every one of them. They are priceless.<br />
I love you Little J. Thank you for being my son and for showing me your sweet side.<br />
My arms will always be open and ready to accept a hug from you.<br />
<br />
Blogger apparently doesn't want the world to see the adorable video of<br />
Jude hugging on me, but luckily <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HomeIsWhereverWeAre">Facebook</a> doesn't have a problem with it.<br />
Please check out the blog's page to see one of these sweet hugs in action.<br />
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Gina Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507676638801567823noreply@blogger.com2