Our Aweful Beautiful Life

So, we wished our sweet girl Happy Birthday on June 1st. We proceeded to spoil her that weekend with her first "friends" party. We invited over a handful of girls to hang out/paint a canvas, then since it was calling for storms, Em chose to go up to Merrillville to Bella Boo's Discovery Play Center. Turns out, it was a sunny and beautiful and Prophetstown would have been a fun alternative, but whatever. She already had her heart set on Bella's, so we went. And we had a GREAT time. Listening to girls chatter in the car, and sing their hearts out is beyond fun. They are adorable and sweet. Great group of girlfriends. The following week we had signed Em up for her first gymnastics camp. She's always bending and tumbling at home, so why not take an actual class for it. Together with Addison Govert, we did just that. We should have known from the start when on the first day the girls themselves were less than impressed. By Tuesday, Heather w...

We knew the day we got your team emails for baseball and softball that this was going to be a fun summer. Emmalyn, you had a great group of young girls and two very patient coaches to help guide you along. Colton, you had SIX coaches, which at first, I thought was overkill, but then I considered how much individual time you kids would get, and how much you could grow your game. A game you love, and are so blessed to have natural talent at. Both of you do, really. (Thanks, Jason. You're carrying the torch on that one. I'll help them nail the speeches and stuff...) Emmalyn, let's chat you first, since as I write this -- your season is over. We'll get to THAT, in the next post. Let's just suffice to say, it wasn't by choice, but you're being a champ about the whole situation. You came into softball fresh out of the t-ball league and you embraced the opportunity to learn the game. You tried hard and weren't afraid to put yourself in awkward situations. You...

I did one of these videos for Colton nearly right after (heck, likely before) his 1st birthday. Sorry, he was an only child then. Here we are -- SEVEN years later, and Emmalyn, I'm just starting/finishing yours. I apologize for the delay, but at least now you can actually enjoy it! This is just a skimming of the pics/videos we have of you -- and in all of them, you are just a gem. Your personality is so bright Emmalyn, and always has been. Dad and I are so proud of the young lady you are becoming, and can't wait to see what God has in store for you in the future. Wishing you a very happy 7th Birthday, sweet girl! Love you forever -- Mom & Dad PS. Can you and Colton revert to being that amazingly sweet to each other?

To know this school year has come and gone is actually quite weird. It's going to go on record as the fastest school year yet, and I have fears that the years to come will only go faster. My babies aren't babies anymore, and we are officially living in their world of sports and activities and play dates and social schedules. (And don't tell them, but I secretly love it. I do. I love seeing them interact with their friends. I love encouraging them to be nothing more than a good teammate. I love overhearing their conversations with their friends and most of all, I love when they do something that has FINALLY clicked with them. Being kind. Paying a compliment. Going out of their way to help a friend. They are finally getting it and I am loving every minute.) Let's be real - this year had it's challenges. Colton's teacher was TRYING several times this year. I cried some. I got pissed off some. I got my feelings hurt some. I fought against you Colton. I fought FOR ...