In loving memory.....

Seven years ago today, my mom passed away. This post is to remember and honor her. She is buried in St Petersburg so I wasn't able to go visit her today, but I thought of her often.

My mom, Kristy and me

Here we are again

Bad quality pic, but this is my mom and Avery when she was sick.

As most of you already know, my mom passed away from ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. This disease took her life at the age of 49. It was really diffcult to see the strong person I knew grow weak before my eyes and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. No one knows how you get the disease and there is no cure...and it is terminal. This disease is progressive and kills the muscles in your body slowly, eventually leading to full paralysis. My mom lost her ability to talk, swallow, eat, walk, and move any part of her body. ALS took everything, but not her spirit. Even though she was physically weak, she kept hope and showed more strength than I've ever seen anyone portray. Today, I want to honor her. She will always be my inspiration and I miss her so much. I love you mom.

Ethan...Happy Birthday big boy!!

I can't believe Ethan is 6!!! Above are some of my favorite pics of him throughout the years. Ty looks so similar to him don't you think? From birth, Ethan has always been a really easy going, caring child. He has a sweet spirit and kind heart and I couldn't be prouder. Below are some of his b-day pics. He had a little party at his school with cupcakes and candles and then got his presents from us at home. He got a fish that he named"rock" and a telescope. We had his favorite dinner (spaghetti and meatballs) and then made "everything but the kitchen sink" sundaes.

Happy Birthday to our very special boy.....Thanks for being you and bringing us so much joy. We love you very, very much sweetie!!!

Happy Birthday to Ty Ty!!!!

What happened?!?!?! Where did my baby go?!

Here he is enjoying some birthday cake!

Ty, we love you sooo much! Happy Birthday to our very special, cuddly, funny, sweet and adorable Ty Ty!!

At the Haircutters....again

So I documented Ty's 1st haircut, and now I'm doing it for Julianna. This time around at the haircutter's, Ty didn't have fun...at all. In fact, he hated the whole experience and cried the entire time (as you can see). Julianna on the other hand, was treated like a queen. She ate lollipop after lollipop, watched a movie, and made demands to the non-english speaking hairdresser the whole time ("I want another lollipop", "I want the pink balloon", "I want orange rubber bands"...) Thankfully, the girl was nice and tried to accomodate Jules as best as she could. And yes, stupidly I went back and spent another chunk of money we don't have. I really am just too scared to cut their hair! At least it turned out cute.