Hopeful is a Word

"Hopeful" is a comforting word for my heart when Ryan and I discuss whether or not we will ever have any more children. We are hopeful that someday we will have more children. How many more and when have ever been out of our hands... but we are hopeful. How could we not be?!

I look at our daughter and am enamored with her beauty and strong emotions. She is perfect as she sits enjoying an afternoon snack and I wonder to myself how she has achieved sitting in a booster seat so quickly. Then I realize that she is 15 months old! It was just yesterday that took her first bites of rice cereal in her now retired high chair.

Our son, so innocent and precious, is quite the spitting image of his father. While on his scooter this beautiful Saturday afternoon, he looks up at his Daddy-bear and says, "Daddy, I am having so much fun. I am so happy!" And away he scoots... making my heart ache to have more babies just like them.

Farewell

New Year's for us is all about football and black-eyed peas. As exciting as that sounds, our day was fairly calm, almost somber. Mostly because it was Aunt Sasa's last day at our home before she left to begin nursing school. We'd all agree that the experience was nothing less than awesome! During the four short months that she spent with us, Sandra was consistently selfless and helpful. This is not a surprise because she has always been this way. On a more exciting note, I learned or reeducated myself on what it was like to live with my sister. I had forgotten how we are complete opposites :) Ever the confident free spirit, Sandra is so much fun! I enjoyed living vicariously through her. Though, she did break my rigid routines enough to turn over a few new leaves... the Chi... fake eyelashes (I need them, she doesn't)... and YOGA!

The transition this week has been tough for the children but as Sandra says, "children are resilient and they will bounce back" We are so happy that Sandra is where she wants to be and content with her choice for a rigorous nursing program. Best wishes and love as you farewell!

Christmas... Take Three!

Mimi and Granddaddy visited after Christmas and to help move Aunt Sasa to Galveston. We were able to  open a few more presents together :)

Getting ready for New Year's Eve...

A few last pics before Mimi and Granddaddy head back to CO...

 We will miss you!

Once Upon A Christmas...

On Christmas Eve we visited the Market Street Santa to wish him "Feliz Navidad!"

Placing the rice crispy treats and Sprite for Santa (we were out of Diet Coke, Caden's original choice, so we settled for Sprite).

Matching Christmas jammies are such fun!

 Caden's gifts had a CARS theme :)

 For Charli Kate, the theme was dolls!

Celebrating Christmas at G'ma's!

Opening presents with Auntie Jen!

Aren't the guys so funny!