Farewell

I am probably 3 or 4 in this picture with my Grandma. I love how much we are enjoying ourselves just relaxing. I find it even funnier that she is smoking a cigarette! 1981 for ya!

My grandmother passed away on November 30. She was 80 years old and lived a good life. The past couple of years were hard on her without my Pa. So I feel at peace knowing she is with him again and in a better place.

She will be buried in Kermit, TX. I am not traveling there for the graveside service but my mom and brother are attending. I am thinking about them during this time and sending long distance hugs.

Holiday Sandwhich

No, you are not seeing things...Claire is a holiday sandwhich of outifts! My sister in law's friend, Ginnie, was one of the gals who chipped in to purchase Claire's Halloween costume. Since her and her family always join us for Thanksgiving we thought she'd get a kick out of seeing her in it live. Of course, Arizona is just warm enough outside to run around in a sleeveless, fairy princess dress on Thanksgiving! Tia (Aunt Carla) went shopping again and purchased Claire's beautiful Christmas dress. So, we had to try that on as well. We even got a clip in her hair!! It's a Christmas miracle!!!

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving. Lots of great food, drinks, family and friends. We even had a little rain to make it feel all cozy inside.

Tis the season!

Shopping Buddy

Today I took Claire to the mall. We don't usually go to this mall because it is further away (Chandler Mall) but it has a Gap and we don't have one by the house! I must say we also got the most badass parking spot. Right up front on the food court side. Amazing!!! She had gotten her 2nd round of the flu shot this morning and I wanted to cheer her up with some Starbucks pumpkin bread...coffee for me of course...and some girl's shopping. She played in the play zone. We ate lunch in the food court. Did you know Paradise Bakery has mac-n-cheese for the little ones? Yum!! She looked so cute sitting in her highchair eating lunch alone with me. Watching her play in the kid area is always a laugh. She gets all in to it now and runs wild! She even had her arms above her head waving them around squealing at one point. She is a hoot and very fast once she finds the darn exit. Mama has to put on her running shoes to keep up with her.

It was a special day together. Something so ordinary like a trip to the mall made me really cherish our time together. Just us girls. Someday we will try again for a sibling. I don't know what will happen but I can't help but wonder how it will be when it isn't just us. For now...I will just enjoy the moments like today with her little blue eyes staring at me with a mouth full of my turkey sandwich and a little grin.

Proud moment

YAH!! We got out and voted today. I have waited for this moment for a long time. I know she has no clue what is going on but what a proud moment it was for me to bring my daughter to the polls! This year has been so exciting. To see a woman and an African-American running together in this election has been inspiring. By the time Claire can vote this will be no big deal I am sure! I will always encourage her to create her own opinions and be open to others views. Most importantly I want her to know how important it is to vote and exercise your right not only as an American but as a woman!

This face

How can this face not make a bad day better!?
























We all have our ups and downs in life.I won't bore you with my "downs" but rest assured I have them. There are days I am certain my husband is speaking another language or moments when Claire is driving me up the wall with her new toddlerisms. BUT...every time I look into these big blue eyes I feel a sense of ease. I love this little face!!! She has certainly given Eric and I a purpose greater than ourselves. It makes us want a to be better people for each other and for her.

Happy Halloween

This is a pic of Claire before her Halloween party last Friday with her baby buddies. She had so much fun.

Little Mommy

Claire has loved playing "mommy" lately. She pushes her baby doll around the living room constantly. Sometimes I think the responsiblity gets to her though because she throws her baby overboard and strolls on without her. That's okay...she is still the baby for now! Of course, Eric jokeingly asks me if she is mimicing my behavior! NICE!

I can't believe she already likes to play with my purses too!
She is 1yr old! Little girls are so fabulous! I love it!