Our Little Star

Here is some new video of our little pumpkin. She really needs a haircut, so just know that I know...

The Little Faker

Yummy Yogurt - This is long and nothing really happens, but its just cute to see her feeding herself!

Bathtime Fun!

The Blair Witch Project ... And Other Videos

Seriously, you need some Dramamine before watching this one. It gets less jumpy after the first few seconds ... but you still might get a little queasy! The reason I am posting it is because she is reading and I think her voice is just too cute...

This is some video of lunch with Grammy & Grandpa (OUR CANCER FREE GRANDPA! HURRAY!!!!)

And finally, a little cooking class with Chef Ashley.

Life Lessons

I am totally caught up in this Facebook business. I have reconnected with friends that I haven't talked to in years! Today, someone posted a picture from my 2nd grade class! Looking at it brought back so many memories and some of us started writing to each other.  We were all laughing about games we used to play, our teachers and the joys of being an office aide. 

A little later in the day, one of my classmates sent me a note and I want to share what he wrote: 

"Tracee, I have to tell you as an aside that I don't have many regrets in this life. One of them, however, involves you.

Back in the Sycamore days, I called you a name on the playground that was especially mean. It was probably because I had a crush on you at the time (I was never the rock-throwing type). In any case, you handled it with such diginity and maturity that the rudeness of my remark and your very thoughtful response have stuck with me all of these years. You told me (I think a day or two later) that what I said had hurt you, that it was wrong of me to say, and that it was beneath me.

I apologized, as I recall. But it was one of those lesson-moments that stick with you forever. In any case, thanks for forgiving me back then and thanks for the lesson."

We are 36 years old now! And he still remembers this day! (I have absolutely no recollection of this moment.) But reading this made me think of something ... this had almost nothing to do with me and almost everything to do with my mother. 

I was always short. My ears stuck out and eventually, my near-sighted eyes forced me to wear glasses. But my mom was always pushing me to stick up for myself. Whether it was when I came back to the car without an ice cream cone because someone had cut in front of me in line at 31 Flavors or when I came to the car crying because Andrea Pollard had told me that she was going to kick my ass every day after school for a week ... My mom somehow got me to believe that I should just march right up to these people and say, "EXCUSE ME! I AM NEXT!" or "IF YOU'RE GOING TO KICK MY ASS, THEN WHY DON'T YOU JUST DO IT?" (This one was particularly scary ... Andrea Pollard was rumored to have a boyfriend named Spike and they supposedly met at the graveyard at night to make out!)

My mom instilled a self-confidence in me that has allowed me to be the person I am today. I'm not always totally sure of myself, but sometimes I can hear her cheering me on and it gives me enough courage to just pretend! Looking back now, I see what a gift that was ... Thank you, Mom, for encouraging me to stand up for myself. This is just one of the great things that you have done for me as a mom.  And it wasn't just a life lesson for me - it also touched another person enough to make them remember that day on the playground almost 30 years later.

That's me in the front row on the left.

Lucky!

OOOH! A box arrived for us last week from Chris' cousin Beth. It wasn't anyone's birthday so I was really curious about what might be inside.

FABULOUSNESS!

Beth sent Ashley a whole box full of hair bows. I thought I was in Heaven! She makes them herself and sells them and is obviously SUPER talented! Look at the cute butterfly clips! Check out her site RIBBONS TO BOWS. She will also make custom designs! Just tell her what you want!



Beth - Thanks so much for all of the darling clips! Ashley wears a new one everyday! (I promise to post a picture of her wearing one soon, but I haven't had my camera handy!)

New Look!

I know my little sister is probably SUPER annoyed with me for copying her, but hey, that's the best form of flattery, right!? Plus, this looks WAY cuter than the other layout. So I couldn't resist.

More posts soon!

No post today, just some favorite pics from the last few weeks...

My sick little girl and her Gigi...


The Two West Coast Heat Fans!


Lots of Love From Grammy & Grandpa!


My Big Girl


Being silly with the neighbors...

A Day Filled With Hope

As I stood this morning, holding my daughter and watching the first African American ever to take the oath of the highest office in our country, I was filled with emotion. I felt proud. I felt humbled. I felt nervous. I felt hopeful. I felt encouraged.

Every generation has their fears, but the unknown that we face now makes me hope that this historic day will make all the difference for our country. I don't believe that our 44th president can change everything, but I believe he has restored faith in our country for many Americans. Faith is what powers Patriotism. And Pride of Country is something that our younger generation has not yet had the opportunity to experience.

"We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist..."

However you feel about President Obama, his election has made it certain that our children - no matter who they are or where they are from, can do anything they wish to do.... I am filled with optimism for my daughter and her generation. I hope this new era inspires all of us to do our part in making our country a better place.

God Bless America.