Lily's 3

" I feel as if I have been called on to guard the moon herself. A moon with dimples and a tiny crooked grin. A moon with the sweetest scent emanating from the soft spot on the top of her round head-a smell sweeter than honey or flowers. How do you do this? How do you safely carry the moon around on this earth?" That is the closest I can come to describing how I felt when Lily was born this day, three years ago. Now I feel so many things. First, I am in awe at how fast time really goes. Seems like yesterday she was Charlie's age. Secondly, I am so in love with my daughter that it scares me. I need her in my life like I need air. She gives me so much and is so much more than I could have ever imagined. She is so beautiful and funny, complex and compassionate, fearless and strong and she is only three. It takes my breath away to see what Travis' and my love made, she is a mirror of us both.

I can not think of a more appropriate birthday for my angel than Christmas Day. She has taught me so much about love, forgiveness, and what it is to be family. It's hard for me to even write this as I know I will never be able to find the words to say how much I love her and what joy she has and continues to bring to my life.

The above quote is an excerpt from a book Travis brought me when I was expecting Lily. I have never forgotten it and went searching for it a few days ago. I have been watching a few home movies lately and cannot believe the changes that come from year to year. Travis and I look the same but the children, especially Lily, are completely different. Part of my heart wants to freeze time and keep her just as she is in this moment and the other part wants to watch her continue on because with everyday that passes she becomes this amazing, witty, little girl. I know that one day Lily, you will read this and I want you to know how happy you make me and how full my heart is. I could not ask for more. You are beautiful inside and out and your mommy loves you all the way to the moon and back. Happy Birthday, lovey! Always yours...Mommy

Lily's Birthday Party

Today was Lily's birthday party at Leapin Lizards. She had a great time and got to share her special day with so many of her friends. Thanks to everyone who came and for the super gifts, Lily loves them all! As you know, Lily's actual birthday is on Christmas and I am finding myself dreading that day. I can not believe that my little girl is going to be 3! It goes by so fast. I am really emotional about it. I wish I had time to write more since it has been a MONTH since my last post, but believe it or not, both of the little ones are napping at the same time! I'm off to do something constructive! Happy Holidays if I can't post before Christmas. Love to all!

PS..Birthday pics will be up next week, promise!

I Love You!

Happy Anniversary Travis! I want you to know that I am the happiest woman on the face of the planet. I could never of dreamed of the life that you have afforded me and our children. The way you are never to tired or busy to play or teach or explain anything to Chancellor and Lily is inspiring. You make me strive to be a better parent by your example. The way your face softens when you see Charlie and the way he lights up when he sees his daddy makes my heart burst every time. I love you so much and feel blessed to be making my life with you. If a man is measured by the love of his family and friends, then you my love, are a giant. I could not ask for more. You really are my best friend and I love you, Happy Anniversary!

DIVA

The other day I was getting Lily dressed, when she noticed it was a dress she had never worn before. She said, no exclaimed, I look great, take pictures of me! I love my girly-girl!

Charlie's Christening

Today was Charlie's baptism, and I must say, it was the most beautiful ceremony I have ever been to. I found it to be very moving and intimate as it was private, with just immediate family. There was so much love and peace in the church. I had so many emotions going on inside of me. I know that Charlie is Travis and my last baby and that wasn't lost on me as I held my beautiful son over the baptismal and he became a Christian this morning. We have so much to be thankful for. Father Bob did a amazing job and made it all the more special as I know he really cares about our family. I will post pictures in the next day or so. Charlie, one day you will read this and I want you to know that you are my perfect little man and I love you with every rise of my chest and every beat of my heart. God bless you today and everyday forward. I love you.

WELCOME BABY HANK!

Welcome to the world Hank Daniels! I saw pictures and you are just adorable. We can't wait to meet you big guy! P.S. You have Charlie by an ounce ! ;)
xoxo, Charleston, Travis, Chancellor, Lily and Charlie

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad! You guys are amazing parents, grandparents and friends. We love you very much and hope you have a great day!

BOO!

A belated Happy Halloween to all! Last night we took Lily around the neighborhood and after we went to the first house, Lily said, OK, now let's go home and eat our candy! She was so cute. When we got home she helped give out candy until two guys dressed up as goblins with blood running down their faces came to the door. Needless to say when Lily saw them she went into hysterics. After finally calming her down, the door bell rang again and she started all over. I thought it would take a small miracle to get her to sleep. On the way in to work this morning she asked if we could do it again tonight but without the monsters. :)

Male Model Material

....don't ya think?

Leslie's Party

Last night Travis and I went to Leslie's surprise party that Pat threw her. We had a great time and everything was beautiful. Nothing is better than a date night with my adorable husband! It was nice to see Will Ligon and meet his wife Tiffany and to catch up with Natalie. Leslie looked AMAZING as always, I think I'd like to be her when I grow up. ;) Kudos to Pat!

Mollie Grace

On Sunday my niece, Mollie Grace, was baptised. It was a beautiful service and Mollie G almost looked as pretty as her mom. Congratulations to Trey, Emily, Jake and of course our new little princess. I love you guys!

Whoopie!

I just made Charlie laugh out loud for the first time! Travis said he laughed for him this morning when I was in the shower. What a big day! And when I say laugh, I mean big belly laughs!

Happy Birthday Leslie!

A big happy birthday to Leslie Kirk! I'm sure you will get wonderful birthday kisses and hugs from sweet, sweet Will and Pat too. :) Have a great day!

Daddy = Love

I snapped this a few nights ago. Charlie wasn't quite as interested in the football game as his daddy was. I never knew my heart could hold so much love for 4 people. I am the richest woman in the world.....

Fair Day

We had a big day at the State Fair on Tuesday. Lily had a great time but I learned that we need to spend some more time on patience and waiting for our turn. The princess couldn't figure out why she had to wait in lines and why the ride didn't begin as soon as she was buckled in. I wonder were she gets those diva like traits?! Charlie thought that it was a great place to nap, as that is what he did the whole time we were there.

Cookie Monster

Travis brought Lily a Frankenstein cookie home last night from the grocery store. She was so excited about it and woofed her dinner down so she could eat it. We thought the Hitler mustache was camera worthy! The next best thing to being a kid, is having them!

Congratulations!

Emily Kate and Luke Alexander made their way in to the world Friday night! Congratulations to Kim and TJ Lancaster. Travis and I went this morning to see the beautiful, tiny new additions. What a miracle. Love and blessings to the Lancasters!

This stuff never happens when Daddy's home...

This morning I was getting Charlie dressed and picking up a little before I left for work, when I noticed Lily was no where to be found. I found her in a corner picking her nose ( at my house we call it Clemson brain surgery) and I ask her if she needed to blow her nose and she said no mommy, I'm just trying to get this rubber band out. I almost had a stroke, sure enough she put a tiny rubber band up her nose! After a few minutes I got it out followed by a long lecture of we don't put anything in our nose. I just knew we were going to end up at the ER, thank goodness everything turned out OK. Never a dull moment........