Darn it....she did it....she turned 5!!!!!

My beautiful baby girl went and turned 5 on me...even though I strickly told her not too. We're going to have to have a big talk.

Five years ago I became a mom. Depending on the perspective 5 years seems so long ago, or just like yesterday. I can't really remember what life was like before I was a mom. It's such a distant memory. I can't remember how it felt to only be responsible for myself or go to the bathroom BY MYSELF (seriously!!!). On the other hand it feels just like yesterday that this tiny little 9lb person came into my life, head full of hair, and me not knowing what the heck I was doing. Katie and I were pals, figuring it all out together, breaking the rules and doing it our own way. She'll always hold a special place in my heart. :)

And as always...her birthday video highlighting this past year. Love you smoosh...

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Angelic

This evening Katie had the opportunity to play an angel in a live Nativity scene at The Woodlands United Methodist Church's "A Family Christmas." What a fun event complete with real snow, lots of animals, singing and wonderful people. The kids sure were precious up there!!

Before (and some of Ryan for good measure!)


During

Thankful

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Little Flashback...

Thanksgiving 2005
1 Week Before Katie was born
Large and In Charge
Swollen
Tired
Excited
Scared


What I would tell this girl in the picture? It's completely worth it :)

A Totally WILD Birthday!

I would like to remind the world that Katie doesn't turn 5 for 9 more days. Maybe this is only important to a Mommy with a fear of the (gasp!!!) 5th birthday for some reason. I don't know why, but it's big for me. I know I should be so happy and excited she's growing up up but secretly it's killing me!

Anyway...Katie had her party yesterday and it turned out so fun! So many friends and family came to celebrate as well as some furry, scaly, feathery, crawly, exotic creatures!

The birthday girl in her super fab outfit :)


The decor....I slacked in the picture department this time around.


We had Pam from Pacadu Exotics come share her awesome animals! She was so nice to let Katie get a picture with almost every one!


Some of the animal fun!




Grandma K's famous cupcakes and "Happy Birthday To You!!"


Family Love


Thank you to everyone who helped make Katie's day SOOOOO special! We love you all!

We Like To Move It, Move It!

Saturday I had the privilege of walking in the MS Walk on behalf of a super wonderful friend of mine. We raised enough money to get our own tent...and I must say that we DEFINITELY had the most spirit! What a great experience and such a fun morning with friends! Go Moms on a MiSion - Team Colby!!!

Zooper Fun!

I think the lack of pictures should show just how much of a good time we had at the zoo today. I took the kids by myself for the first time. We always have fun with friends or family but it had never dawned on me to go alone. It was REALLY nice! We went at our own pace...did the aquarium 3(!!!!) times, and discovered a building I don't think we have ever been in. What an amazing age my kids are at that they both are genuinely interested in all creatures, big, small, slimy, scaley, furry, hoofed, or feathery.

Ryan...not so much interested in having his picture taken. Katie...VERY much interested in having her picture taken. The two baby elephants were definitely a highlight!