Inspired

I am inspired in SO many ways this holiday season.

My son inspired me more than anyone, of course.

The JOY he expresses when he gets hugs from the family that adores him.  Can joy be taught? Or is it a quality that is present since his first breath?

The LOVE he shows his new baby cousin.  He gives kisses!  Witnessing this brings tears to my eyes that no one notices.  Do you realize how much it means to me that my son can now show LOVE?

The PEACE he has when he is held my his grandparents.

The HOPE I feel when I watch him learn to feed himself Christmas bread.

I am Inspired...

I am Motivated...

I am Blessed...

My heart has been touched this holiday season!

Family times!

Due to our lovely MN weather, our family Christmas was cancelled last weekend.  Half of my family lives in Alexandria so we were still able to enjoy time with eachother.  I was happy there was some time to take pictures.  Here are a few of my favorites!

I love the background of this one...I was too lazy to get my boots on, so I took it out of their window!

Busy playing...and warming my heart with smiles!

Carsen and Cohen are snuggle buddies!

I love his nice pink, soft skin on Grandma's shoulder!

The light was awesome this morning!!

When I was taking this shot, my Dad was smiling...he thought I was taking a pic of his face!

My Dad taught Carsen how to give a "high-five" this weekend...I was lucky enough to get a good shot!  He works a lot with Carsen and is determined to help him in any way!

Christmas play-date

We had a fun play date this week...my house is furious with me!!!!  And, I don't care!

Sprinkles, sand, screams, timeouts...5 boys...1 adorable girl = priceless moments!

Visiting with friends, listening to friends discipline kids, watching friends learn to use their cameras, lots of laughts, spending time with our kids...couldn't have asked for a better day off!

This quiet time lasted for about 15 mins...I was impressed!

Who needs to save any cookies?  They are better freshly frosted and sprinkled!

Busy at work...

Playin some pool...

My floor :)

Blonde sweetheart!

Glad I had other girls to decorate...

The crazy bunch!

Was this in between a scream or a smile?

I know this is kind of gross, but I had no idea my granite would reflect so well!

My favorite picture...little hands eating sprinkles!

Emotions of a Two year old!

Today was day number 7. 

It was a day I prayed that Carsen was back to himself. 

He woke up again at 5:00 A.M. screaming bloody murder. 

I hate teeth. 

I hate waking up to my unhappy child. 

I hate that I have no idea why he cries like this for weeks. 

So, we deal with it and blame it on teeth.

On a more positive note...Carsen had an awesome day at daycare with his girlies...and this was how the rest of our night went...

Bath time with bubbles gave us a small smile...

Then, he decided they tasted good...

This is a smile...much better than tears...

To top it off...I asked him to say "cheese" and he gave me the biggest gift in the last 7 days...

I love this kid!

One day get-away!

My Grandpa turned 80 years old on Saturday!  My Mom and I flew down for a quick trip.  I contemplated for a long time if I should bring Carsen with or not.  He stayed home.  I hate to say it, but it was great!  Of course I missed him, but check out the photos I captured while in sunny Florida.

I took 500 pictures, you are barely getting a glimpse.

That smile gets me every time!

No stories on this picture today. 

Just wanted to share one of my favorite pictures taken of Carsen and I. 

I love that sweet, gentle smile!