Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day


Happy Fathers Day to the two most important men in my life. Dad, what a blessing you have been to me in my life these past twenty seven years. You have a heart of gold and are always looking to make your children happy. Thank you for being our provider throughout our childhood and throughout college. You and I will always share a special bond. Thank you for teaching me about Mantle & Maris, Tom Davis and the full court press, Nile Kinnick, the golden oldies, how to love and be loved, how to salt, pepper, and butter the perfect ear of corn, Hayden Fry, how to catch a pop fly with two hands, the importance of history, how to respect our ancestry, ice cream treats, fat crane and the hills of New Albin, how to make a bunny ear, respecting myself and others, bike rides, adventures in the grocery store parking lot, the sweet taste of a Snickers bar, and most importantly thank you for the sacrifices you made for all of us. I love you with every little piece of my heart Dad. I will always be your baby girl!



Scott, I experienced a new love for you when I saw Lyla in your arms for the first time. I knew at that moment that you would do everything in your power to protect our little girl. What a blessing it is to know that you will raise your daughter in a home that puts God first. The love you show Lyla will teach her about the love Christ has for his children. Thank you for being my partner throughout this adventure. You have been so wonderful throughout this past year, through all the ups and downs, your main concern was the happiness of Lyla and I. We love you so much Scott, as a husband, father, and as a Godly man. Happy Fathers Day sweetie!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Happy Birthday Lyla Bean


On May 28th my little baby girl turned one! We had such a fun day celebrating her first birthday. My mom, sister and her two kids were out visiting so we were able to have a small party for Lyla. We woke up and had Lyla's favorite breakfast...donuts! This is also her Mom and Dad's favorite as well so it worked out for everyone. After breakfast we headed to Turtle Back Zoo to see all of our zoo friends. We ate lunch at the zoo cafe and then headed home for a much needed nap for all of the kids. After naps we decorated Christmas cookies. Yes I realize that it was her birthday we were celebrating but we had a "Grinch" themed birthday party. The Grinch is Lyla's favorite movie since she was about 5 months old so we went that route for her first birthday. Max and Mar actually understood what they were doing. Lyla on the other hand just wanted to eat her cookie. After cookies we opened up a bazillion presents. Lyla had a blast tearing the paper. Her favorite gift was the puppy touch and feel book that my parents got her. She really had no interest in any other gift after she opened up the book. After presents we ate dinner and topped off the night with a Grinch birthday cake and Grinch suckers.
I still can't believe my little baby is a year old. It wasn't that long ago that I remember holding her in my arms for the first time. She has been through so many changes and so many cities. We are so blessed to have such an amazing daughter who adjusts so well to our crazy life. Thank you so much to all of you who spoiled Lyla with calls, messages, presents, cards. We appreciate every one of her friends and family and Scott and I know that you are the people who will help mold her into the woman she will be some day. Thanks Mom and Hol and Scott for all of the help in getting ready for the big day. I love you so much! And most of all we feel so blessed that Christ gave us such a special gift of life. We don't take a single second for granted.