::12::

The oldest, you see, was 12 yesterday.  I can't even begin to tell you how I feel about this.  There is of course the whole "time marches on" and "I can't possibly be old enough to have a 12 year old" thing.  I thought that would be a big deal.  Believe it or not, that's not what has been on my mind the past few days.

She really is an amazing gal.  Bright and talented, you know, the thing every mom says about her daughter.  But there is something else.  This child, or young lady, is just that.  A young lady.  No longer my babe.  No longer my adorable little toddler.  As awesome as she was as a babe and a toddler this is so much better.  She is intuitive and sensitive.  She is funny and more shy than most would think.

Her and I started this journey together.  I was only 21 years old when I found out that she would be joining me.  I can't imagine now how I managed it that young.  Through all of my mistakes and my learning we have grown up together.  I am proud to call her my daughter and my friend.

So happy birthday Abby.  I am so very proud of you.  Thank you for being my first born.  I can't wait to see what your life has in store!

ps...the cake above was OBVIOUSLY not made by me.  it was however made by my dear friend Allyson over at Daddy Cakes.  If you are in the area you must must must try her stuff!  Seriously ridiculously good cakes and cupcakes!

history

So I decided to keep the kids home from school today to share history with them.  I told them they would be home schooled for just a few hours (i am pretty sure that would be the total number of hours i would be capable of homeschooling them anyway).  It was worth it.  Seeing them listen so intently to the oaths of office.  Watching their own future open before them.  Collectively coveting the clothes and shoes of the First Lady and her babes.  They were mesmerized by YoYo Ma.  They were moved by Aretha Franklin.  They were inspired by our new President.  God bless you and your sweet family Mr. President.  We are ready.

live with new website!

I certainly hope and pray that the holidays have found you all well this year!  Above is just a bit of what has been keeping us hopping over here!  We have shared the Christmas spirit and a lovely little flu bug around here this holiday season.  Go figure.  A quiet little Christmas was just in order this year.

The first website I published when I started my new business was, uh, slow and looked like an amateur threw it together.  The pictures looked grainy and you couldn't adjust the size of anything.  The purpose of having a website was served, but the thing bugged me from the start.  

Without further ado, check out the new site.  Let me know what you guys think.  The flash technology is over my head, but I really think I love it.