Birthday Pictures!

Claire and I have been having a blast this week after Christmas just the two of us. We have had tea parties, cleaned the house to our hearts content and played, played, played. Bill is now officially on vacation until the first of the year.

It's been so much fun for me to be with her these last couple of weeks. I've finally got a little organized and settled in the house. Amidst all of the busy-ness, I have taken few pictures of our move, of Claire's 2nd birthday, of our Gatlinburg family trip and of Christmas; however, I have a great sister-in-law who has been my "historian" and has been capturing pictures for me when I that's been far from my mind.

So, here's some long over-due pictures...

"Happy Birthday to You." Claire patiently waiting to blow out the candles.

I just had to post this one. I am definitely a cake-making amateur, but I was so proud of my attempt at a BarnYard themed cake. I probably spent more money than I would have paid the best cake-maker in Nashville to make one and definitely spent too much time...but she only turns 2 once!

The family portrait on her birthday!

This wasn't on her birthday, but she has one of her "birthday outfits" on and I just think she's too cute not to show off!

Have a great New Year and we'll be back next week!!!

"Bloom where your're planted..."

Has always been a favorite quote of mine. I'm not sure if it's my personality or if it's just a generational thing, but I am absolutely horrible about staying in touch. I bloom where I'm planted, I invest my life and energy into the people closest to me and often make the horrible mistake and regret of neglecting those from my past. I don't have a horrible past, so I don't think it is some deep-rooted emotional issue that I'm trying to run from. I'm not sure what causes it, but I don't like it.

I know there are pros and cons about the internet and social networks. My sister and I have these discussions often. But I am personally thankful for them and the outlet they offer me to stay in touch with childhood, high school, college, camp and current friends.

All of that is a preface to say, I want to teach Claire to set her roots deep wherever she goes. Last night, my mom called me and the father in one of our dear family friends passed away. Jen, his daughter, and I grew up together. As I drove home after her telling me, I thought about this family being one of my earliest memories of planting my roots. Memories of the adults playing cards or just coming to hang out and the kids playing Atari or just messing around. On those late summer nights growing up, I was usually somewhere in between their house and our house. Jen and I had a tradition, up until she married and began her family of calling each other on Christmas morning to tell each other what we had gotten. Softball games, football games, snow ball fights, church, girl scouts, school from K-12, weddings...and now a funeral.

I want Claire to have those bittersweet, deep-rooted memories of families she grew up with. I want her to fly, but I also want her to be well-rooted. So, today, I challenge you to set your roots deep and don't neglect those things of your past!