It's a wrap!

I have my attention squarely focused on not keeping up with this blog. Though at times I thought I would never let it go... alas, I have done just that. For now we'll call it a wrap and be proud of this adventure called blogging. I love every pic, sentence and typo entered here. I have really wanted to break through and write wide open about raw life lessons and goings-on, and I feel like (at times) I did just that.
Mission accomplished.
Blog, you have a permanent place in my heart and now I must begin printing you.
It's been fun!
Goodbye.

Spring is here!

We are s glad that the warm weather is slowly making it's way back. It's been nearly a year since I began staying home and I must admit that the warm months make this job divine. I get inspired when the sun gleams and grass grows around us. I want to travel, clean clutter and make plans. Winter simply doesn't do it for me. I need pastels and day trips and flip flops to be able to feel glee.
The girls are growing so fast. This time last year Tori still needed me to hold her fingers while she walked. When I think of how my back (not my heart) wished that away I could cry.
Bella was into building tents and playing under bedsheets. She still plays but her imagination has soared to new heights. She's in her head with games and toys and it's funny to listen and remarkable to see.
Now, Tori is talking. Her first word was "Bella" in Januaryish of 09. Now she can communicate in one word spurts when she sees something, wants something or Bella has done something. That chapter seems to be just beginning. Bella is Tori's true love and when Bella's gone Tori looks for he and calls her name. Bella sometimes does the same when Tori is taking a nap or away visiting Grandma.
There is so much to do with them now that Tori's old enough to go out and enjoy more. We go to the parks, parades, libraries (though they've closed a lot of them in our area), and shopping.
I still can't shop for myself with them around. We can grocery shop, but there is no way to keep them entertained or obedient while I check out a clothing sale.
The pain in my arms has all but gone away. Tori is so heavy now that she gets uncomfortable when she's held too long. She loves to snuggle sometimes and that is sweet, but she's a chunky monkey right now. She is assertive with what she wants too. She has found her voice and uses it quite a bit. She can scream over Bella to get what she needs first. It's almost totally impossible to make her do something she doesn't want to do which has brought discipline to a new level for her. She goes to time out on demand but thinks it's a game. She cries, screams, slaps and kicks during a tantrum or just spontaneously t get a reaction. She's a hoot, as my grandmother would say.
Life's really good right now. We are enjoying the season and loving the girls.
It's very special, and I can't say enough about it.

Bella's 4

It's clear that my first born is not a baby, doesn't want to be called my baby or be compared to anything that has to do with babies. She's 4!
She models her princess dresses, dreams of playing in a fairyland and writes her ABC's. She draws us pictures and wants to have discussions about words and her experiences and takes time to drink up life.
Her spirit is remarkable, and this picture (though taken last Christmas) shows her modeling a bit, her long hair and her precious smile.
There really isn't anything better to me than my girls and, it's true that she made me a mother, but she also makes me love being a mother.
I love you my precious angel.
Happy Birthday!!!

I'm back.

If I'm not going to bother with posts that rant or outline every move we make, the least I can do is post some pics of the cuties for the memories.
These are from the Christmas season where Bella sang at school, wrapping gifts at the table together and walking uptown with Grammy and Pop. We had a great time!!