Life's little treasures...

Well, I am back! One of my New Years resolution for 2011 was to start doing some of the things I LOVE and this was one of my most favorite things to do... share my family and our crazy life as we know it with our family and friends.

2010 was a whirlwind. It was a year full of memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. It would take me another whole year to blog about everything so I will touch on it and away I'll go into 2011.

Nolan... Nolan turned four this year. He remains my spitfire little man! He is a love bug, cuddle bug and monster all wrapped in one. He continues to build a great relationship with his brother. He loves him a ton... that is loves to pick on him, loves to torture him, loves to wrestle him, loves to take all his toys, loves to torment him... all the things a big brother is supposed to do BUT, he does LOVE him. He protects him, laughs at him, asks for him in the morning, and guards him from harm... he is a WONDERFUL big brother. Nolan started soccer in 2010 and did a great job. He scored the 1st and only goal on his team for the season. He enjoyed playing but made it well known when the season was over it was time to try baseball. He will start T-ball in the spring. He is still in preschool and is doing great. His reports from his teachers are always wonderful and that makes for one happy mommy. Seems like just yesterday we had to pry him out of my arms to go into school and now he can hardly wait to get inside to see his friends. He has grown up so much over the past year. He loves animals, riding his bike, cars, and running around silly like any 4 year old boy. He has brought so much joy, laughter, grey hairs and sleepless nights to my life this year! I love you ==============THIS================== much Nolan bug!

Carson... Carson turned 2 this year and oh boy did he turn 2! He is full of energy, growing like a weed, busy, busy, busy! He is always on the go. He is sweet, loving, and funny. He idolizes his big brother. He wants Nolan to be the last to give him a kiss at night and is always the 1st person he asks for in the morning. He looks up to Nolan and does EVERYTHING Nolan does... which is not always a good thing. He is going to be my creative guy. He loves music and art. He hates to watch TV but if a John Mayer concert was on he would sit for hours. He loves to "Rock out" and we have our own little band in which he is our lead guitarist! Carson started preschool this year. It did not start off a hit but my little guy has grown to love it. He now jumps out of the car and waves goodbye to mommy and heads off to school with bubby... breaks my heart! Where has time gone?!?! Carson will start soccer this year and if last year was any clue to how he will play... he is going to be a superstar! He LOVED to go to Nolan's games and often times we thought we should put him on the field... he has great coordination. My baby grew so much in 2010 and has become such an independent lil guy. I love you to the moon Carson Ray.

Heaven gained a new angel in 2010. My dad, better known as Pawpaw, passed away August 16th. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in March of this year and after a short but very brave fight my dad decided not to "search under every rock for a miracle", gave it to God, and went home with Hospice. I had the joy and the pleasure to take care of my dad in his final days on earth. To be so strong for the man who always stood so strong for me was a privilege. His final days were filled with so much love, laughter, family and friends and when he passed he was at peace. To say he is missed is an understatement and the hole he left in our lives is unmeasurable. He was a great man full of life, full of love for his grandchildren, and had a heart made of gold. He remains a very big part of our household. The boys miss their pawpaw more than anything. Right before my dad passed we started discussing death and dying and heaven with the boys. As my dad lay in his bed, unable to get up, we went to visit one day and Nolan ran right into my dad's room and said "Pawpaw, I will see you again in Heaven one day." Dad turned to Nolan and said, "You can see me anytime you want Nolan, just look to the sky, find the brightest star, and that will be me shining down on you!" Well, my boys find that shining star every night and indeed know that is their pawpaw looking over them! Carson, pawpaw's best buddy and chosen one, blows pawpaw a kiss every night after his prayers... he misses him so dearly... they truly where the best of buds! In 2010 I lost a dear person to my heart but out of the mouth of a 4 year old, "I will see you again in Heaven one day Daddy!"

2010 was a great year. We made so many memories that I would love to bottle up and never forget. I watched my family grow so much. As I write this I look back and wonder where time goes! In one year I learned the true meaning of family, the true meaning of a loved one, the true meaning of a friend, the true meaning of life! It is so precious. I have made it my new year resolution to not let a day pass that I don't value and thank God for all of these! So here's to 2011....