Doggie Heavens Newest Angel

Today, Ben joined Abbie in doggie heaven.

Thanks for the memories Ben!

 

 

Our house is sad, and we will miss him!

Ben you were my first baby…you were a really good dog!

Bumpa’s Birthday!

Happy, Happy Birthday celebration to our favorite Bumpa!

Bumpa and Gamma came over for supper and dessertS…

Dairy Queen ice cream cake (Yum!) and frosted banana bars (Yum!)…having some of each encouraged!

Feels Like Home

One year ago today, we became a family of 7 when our plane landed in Fargo with Jayne on it!

When I asked the big boys (Caleb and Luke), “Do you ever wish you didn’t have so many brothers and sisters?”  They both whipped their heads towards me and with pure certainty (and in unison), said “NO!”

And this type A personality Mom, even with the constant mess and hustle and bustle, agrees 100%. 

Fifteen years ago, I would have walked into our house and thought, “Oh my…what a mess!”  Today, I walk into our house and think, “Feels like home.”

 

Often, I come home to some “redecorating”.

     

Mark and Jayne are on a continuous audition for the show “Hoarders”. 

Mark hides his precious things next to his bed.

Jayne hides her precious things in rubbermaidS…

   (yes, the word is plural).

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have yet to do an art project not worthy of taping up!

 

Or in some cases, gluing up…  :\

The lockers in the entry way, are “owned” by each child…decorate as you wish and redecorate often.

And it would be a challenge to NOT find a Patriots jersey drying on our railing because Luke wears a jersey absolutely everyday.

Ahhhhhhh, it feels like and looks like home!

Lucky are we to have a big, busy and messy housefull!

Dancing Ladies

 

This “Go Bananas” little lady was VERY excited about her first dance recital.  Call Me Maybe, Just Can’t Wait to be King and Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini!  Nailed ‘em all :)

 

And our pink satin little lady was VERY into the quantity of “her audience”…Bumpa, Gamma, Uncle Bob, Auntie Melissa, Brody, Kate, Daddy, Mommy, Luke, Mark…”We should invite more people.” little pink lady said.

Certainly, one of these six moves was the “right” move, but the jury is still out which pink lady nailed the move :)

Yes, we should invite more people for this quality of cuteness dance!!

5 am…GOTCHA!

What do you get when a baseline excitable six year old knows her GOTCHA day involves streamers on the kid bedroom doorways, a GOTCHA day cheer, a special breakfast of your choosing and an adorable new dress??

You get a 5 am wake up call from the GOTCHA Girl!

 

  

Not surprisingly, Ben needed to get in on a few of Jayne’s pictures. 

Ben’s number ONE fan for the last year…Jayne!

  

Oh what a difference one year makes!

January 2012 ~~~~~~> July 2012 ~~~~~~> January 2013

 

 

Give me an “O” by Mark!

All part of the G-O-T-C-H-A cheer!     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In so many ways we cannot believe it has already been one year since our handful was complete, and on the other hand, we cannot remember life without Jayne!

To know Jayne is to love Jayne…

Jayne has never seen a hug or a high five she does not want to give.  Jayne has never heard a song she does not want to dance to.  Jayne lives for the love of dogs with her whole heart.  Jayne is obsessed with pregnant bellies and new mamas (I am certain she will bring me a slough of adorable grandbabies some day!).  Confidence?!*  Jayne’s newest saying is “Ha, Ha! I beat you!”  Stubborn…uff duh, Luke may have met his match.  What did Mark do before Jayne…they are literally hooked at the hips…the best of friends.  Jayne is not near as girlie as Brynn, but she struts around in plastic heels constantly.  Bossy…oh my, Mom may have met her match.  Dad says, “Jayne keeps us on our toes!” Yep, she does.  And just try not to laugh when Jayne crinkles her nose and laughs all the way from her toes to that crinkled nose…contagious!

Dramatic, loud…ok VERY loud, and a diva since day one!

What was life like before Jayne?!*

Jayne you are a hoot…you live, love and laugh so deeply.  And I am not sure what we have done right to deserve to come along on the journey of Jayne, but we feel like we hit the Jackpot the day that the stars aligned one year ago today and it was decided that you were ours!

Jayne Li Min we are so thankful that we have been chosen to live, love and laugh with you FOREVER!!

We love you, our 5 am GOTCHA girl!