"The fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was: to nurture, protect, and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes, and to send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully."

-Sally Clarkson from the Mission of Motherhood

Monday, February 25, 2013

My Valentines

My friend, Shelly Negrete, a super talented photographer in town needed a baby model for a Valentine's day shoot she was doing.  When she thought of Mary Claire, we of course took her up on it!!  I mean free beautiful treasured photos of your child?  Yes, please!



When I mentioned that I'd have to bring the Clarkster along, she said she'd get some shots of him too.  Score!





These two looooove each other.
Twas the night before Valentine's.....lots of baking and crafting going on....




Whoops, didn't get a pic of AM's valentine's, but here's the idea!

Clarky's candy kabobs!

Mommies were not invited to the first grade party, but we were for preschool so of course I was there! :)

Massive amounts of sugar consumed.  We had a family dinner together that night, and then Sean and I got a date night the next night.  I'd say it was a great Vday!


Friday, February 8, 2013

Mary Claire is 11 months

Just a few snapshots from the days leading up to her 11 month birthday...
The wonder of the first Christmas!

Snuggling in Mommy and Daddy's bed in the morn.  (all five of us) :)

Heading out to drink hot chocolate and see the Christmas lights on Christmas Eve eve!



Waking up in the morning 


Sisters on the iPhone
Horsin around with Sissy on Christmas break


And now I only have ONE.MONTH.LEFT with a true bAbY.  Oh, Lord, help me to savor every minute!

First lost tooth!

We had our first experience with the Tooth Fairy! AnnMarie lost her first tooth in January. Since she is pretty much the last one of her friends, she was VERY ready for it to come out! She had been working on it for days, and it finally came out with a little help from the school nurse. The Tooth Fairy brought some really cool glittery money!