Hearts of Hope

We went to a Hearts of Hope event today at a farm. It was so much fun! It was so wonderful to see so many heart families all together. We met and reconnected with many families that have gone through what we have gone through. I am excited to be a part of such an awesome group! Here are some pics from today...

Heart Mommies and their heart babies!

Princess Lindsey looked amazing...she is truely a miracle!

Madi wanted to steal her toy!

**Stay tuned for Birthday pics...sorry I am slow getting those because I didn't take any picture myself, so i have to collect them from everyone.

Dad

I was just informed tonight that my Dad actually reads my blog! This surprises me because my Dad has never been a computer guy. I didn't even know he knew how to turn it on! Well, I guess he is growing up because my mom said he checks his email everyday and checks my blog. SO...if I would have known this I would have most definitely posted this on his birthday (which was Oct. 10th)...



Dear Dad,

I am so blessed to have an amazing father like you. Growing up not only did you provide for our family, you were completely involved in everything in our lives. You never missed a dance recital, choir concert, or cheesy musical that I was in. You taught me to throw a baseball, ride my bike and pump the gas in my car. You even brushed my hair every night when I was little because mom was too rough! You are the same way with your Granddaughter. You drive home for lunch (eating your lunch on the way) on the days that Mom is watching her so you can play with her for an hour. You spend hours building a swing for her in your backyard. You are also a great father-in-law to my husband (who has so much respect for you). You have helped him with lots of home improvements and have took the time to teach Chris things, which he really appreciates. You are funny (just like me), generous (just like me), thoughtful (just like me), good looking (just like me) and cocky (just like me)!!! THANK YOU for being truly the most amazing dad, father-in-law and Papa anyone could ever ask for. HAPPY 40 something (plus or minus 10 or so years) BIRTHDAY!


I love you,
Shannon

Birthday Pictures

*Photography by Madison's Grandpa and Ronda...didn't they do such a great job?!

Hello Blog friends!

HI! It's been a while! We have been busy planning someones first birthday party (that is this weekend). Madison's birthday was on the 6th. We had a little get together with our parents at our house. We had cake (3 different kinds) and ice cream. Madison LOVED it! We have pictures and video that I will be posting soon. We got her 1 year pictures taken by Chris's Dad and stepmother. They turned out so good! I love them! It is so nice to have photographers in the family! Madison has been cruising all over the place lately. She crawls SO fast and walks along furniture like a pro! She stands without holding anything but when she wants to go somewhere she crawls. I think we still have a couple months before she walks....which is FINE by me! Chris is still working, which is WONDERFUL! I am just trying to catch up on laundry and house cleaning....fun, fun! I also have a new obsession...GLEE!!! Ahh, I am such a dork! I was Vice-president of show choir and in all the musicals in high school so I knew I would love this show. My sister came over last night and surprised me with a CD of all the songs they have sang so far on the show!! We stood in the kitchen singing and dancing to all the songs while Chris and Madison watched us...well actually laughed at us! Poor Madison she is going to be forced to love musical theater! Well I will try and post picture tonight. Hope all is well with everyone! XOXO!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Mom,

Happy Birthday! Words can't express how much you mean to me. You have sacrificed your life for Kristy, Chad and I. I never understood how much moms do until I became one. You have taught me so much throughout my life. Two important things you have taught me...compassion and how to be a good mother. You are such an amazing Gramma. Thanks for loving Madison with all your being. Thank you for all you do for me. for being my friend and loving me unconditionally. I love you so much! XOXO!

Love always,

Shannon

Brian and Brighite's Wedding

Chris's brother, Brian, got married yesterday. It was a beautiful wedding. Everything went smoothly (except the rain) and everyone had lots of fun! Brighite was absolutely STUNNING! Most beautiful bride ever! They are so cute together because he is like 6'6" and Brighite is really tiny.

Madison was a flower girl! She wore an ivory satin dress (with a matching bow, of course!) and adorable sparkly shoes (that she wouldn't keep on). The older kids pulled her in a wagon down the isle. My mom and I decorated the wagon with brown satin and ivory tulle (tutu style) around the whole thing (picture to come...). It turned out SO cute! Madison had a book in the wagon with her to keep her happy. We tried to take the book out before the ceremony but she wasn't having it. She was SO good the whole time! My parents took her home around 9:30 pm. (Thanks Mom and Dad)

The theme was fall (cinnamon [or rust] & brown). The flowers and bridesmaids dresses were a rust color...so pretty. The hall was decorated with ivory and brown table and chair covers and ivory and rust colored flowers. It was so nice...I love fall themed weddings!

Brighite is Albanian so we had lots of Albanian music. I learned the dance...its really easy but it took me forever to catch on. It was so much fun. The music is actually really easy to dance to! The DJ, Brighite's cousin, did an amazing job and this was his first wedding! He played such random old school songs (like NSYNC and fresh prince theme song). You know it's a fun wedding the dance floor is packed all night!

Congrats Brian and Brighite!

I am so happy to have you as my brother and sister! XOXO!