and the next american idol is. . .

Kris Allen!

As Delaney and Jillian huddled together on the loveseat, hands covering their mouths and eyes glued to the tv in anticipation of the announcement, I was extrememly nervous. Instead of worrying about how to console them when Adam took the title, I should have grabbed my camera to capture the catapult off the sofa as they celebrated their "Tender Dog" taking the American Idol top honors!!! It had to be all those votes they made their devoted daddy cast last night after the finals -- Jillian was certain it was her votes that put him over the top! Way to go Delaney -- you picked this year's winner!

sweet baby boy

On Sunday, I was priveledged to assist my sweet friend Megan during her labor and delivery. 20 hours of labor, of which I was present for 17! Whew - it was exhausting for me and I only rubbed her back, feet, hands, breathed along with her, whispered encouragement and sometimes shouted it as well! She did all the work - delivering a healthy and adorable baby boy. Congrats Megan - and thanks for blessing me with this experience!!! Here is a picture of baby P - doesn't get any better than that sweet face!

just minutes old. . .

best friends

If you know Jillian, you know that she is everyone's friend. Her bubbly, sweet, always joyful personality make her someone you just want to be around. She's loved by all, but especially by mommy!

Jillian and Allisen have been friends since they were babies. Sarah and I met while pregnant with them and I swear they connected even then. Now these girls aren't two peas in a pod. One is a girly-girl, loving everything princess and sparkly, while the other loves hockey and horses. But two better friends you will never find. Tomorrow Allisen celebrates her 6th birthday and below you will find the homemade card from Jillian. It brought tears to my eyes to see what she wrote to her best friend. I am so proud God chose me to be her mom!

I never knew how much you could mean to me.

(the words written in black on the left side)

Mother's Day

Love to all the special Moms and Grandmas in our family!!!

Click on the link below to see the special video my children made for you all. I couldn't figure out how to get it from You Tube onto my blog! (Katelyn - I need your help!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNsQ01sV9Cg

milestone

Prompted by a certain incident that took place yesterday, I took apart Elliott's crib and replaced it with the toddler bed. I won't go into the details, just know that nothing could prepare me for the strong odor that assaulted me when I entered the room during naptime. . . .

Elliott is very proud of his 'big boy bed' and was so excited to show it off last night -- and to check out the bounce factor. Not sure we should have encouraged that particular move! He tucked in so sweetly last night and drifted right off to sleep - no sneaking out or calling for daddy or mommy. I went in to wake him this morning and found him all snuggled up, sleeping soundly -- on the floor next to his bed!

tiny dancer

The Glamorous Life . . . Jillian's 1st dance recital was a hit! She just loved all the attention from family and friends -- as you can see from the photos below. We weren't allowed to take flash photos or video during the recital. I couldn't resist sneaking in a couple of pictures of the father/daughter dance -- it was just so sweet to see the adoration on her face as she danced with her daddy. And after seeing all the other parents video taping on the first night, I had grandpa sneak in the camera for the 2nd performance. Watch for video to follow soon!!!

all dolled-up

the ballet costume

the tap costume

so proud with her trophy and dream box

daddy's girl

i heart my girls