First Halloween

Shopping buddies

Some fun party pics...

Seven years with this guy...

Every year that's spent with my little manny is a memorable one. It's hard to believe today he turned seven years old. My life with Alexander is always an adventure. As we have told many people, we never know what Alexander we will get from day to day. As with most kids there are always highs and lows in parenting. I've learned over the years with Alexander that the one thing that I should always, and I mean always remember, is that grace is the most important thing for me as a mom. This kid of mine brings me joy like no other and can turn around and bring a fire in me that I've never experienced. You'd think that after spending 7 years with someone you'd get a hint on how they tick and while I think I have the handle on this mom thing with Alexander I can be totally off from one day to the next. None of that however ever diminishes what he means to me as my child and what I can learn from him each day. Each day he reminds me of how important it is to remember that today could be your last and that cherishing every second with your children should be a huge priority. He also reminds me that being silly and pretending to fly and wishing you could fly is a really big deal. Not a day goes by that he doesn't say, "wouldn't it be cool to fly". He wants nothing more than to spend quality time with his family. He reminds me every day of how to love and how to just be in the moment. When he asks me to snuggle with him on the couch and sit for a while with a big blankie that I should put aside what I'm doing and just sit and enjoy that time, even if it's for 5 minutes. He reminds me that I'm blessed to be a mom and that nothing in the world would ever be better than this. The last seven years with this guy makes my heart smile and I thank God for that in a big way.

 

Happy Birthday Eve Little Manny

We surprised Alexander with a trip to the Newport Aquarium with his pals today. They've had a great time!!! 

Love seeing old friends...

First fall, first pumpkin, firsts of all sorts

Family Pics Day

Since Alexander is turning 7 on the 17th and Mia is turning 7 months on the 18th I thought family pictures were definitely in order. Aside from a time or two at the Target portrait studio we haven't had any pictures taken since Alexander was 2...professionally anyway. So, I called my friend Josh who's a pro and he came down and took some shots. But, these are some pics I took in between shoots.