Otter Fun Run 2018

Running has become a huge part of Charlotte's life over the last few weeks. She's been a part of Girls On The Run (an amazing program, look it up), and it's been awesome to see just how much her confidence in herself/her abilities has grown. She was pumped for the Otter Fun Run this year (and went on to finishing a 5k last weekend on Sunday... with me... no pictures, just wanted to be super present for our time together)... Daddy ran with her, and she placed 3rd in her age/gender for this year, just like last year (except this year, she ran against more in her age... 3rd out of 13). Sweet friends ran alongside as well, and that always makes a run, a whole lot more fun.

"Our running shoes have magic in them. The power to transform a bad day into a good day; frustration into speed; self-doubt into confidence; chocolate cake into muscle." —Mina Samuels, author of Run Like a Girl

Mama's Day 2018

5 little ones call me Mama... Each and every day, I'm overwhelmed with the thought, I get to be their Mom...What a treat.

Dear Charlotte,
Our beginning started a lot differently than my beginning with any of your siblings... and to me, that is so special. This season of life you're in... it challenges me daily. You push my buttons unlike anyone else... shaping me in a whole new way. You're paving the way for your brother and sisters, and do it with such beauty. You always tell me that you're "too big" to be picked up by me... that I'm not strong enough... and each time I pick you up, I prove you wrong. I'll always be able to pick you up my dear...

Dear Marley,
The moment I heard your heartbeat for the first time, I wept tears of joy. I never thought I'd hear that sound. You are a wild and free little spirit that teaches me everyday to slow down and enjoy the wonder around me. Your spicy spirit has this way of igniting my spicy spirit...Finding ways to calm down is a challenge, but we will learn. You are the first to join in, during any of my dance parties... I'll twirl with you, any day...

Dear Finn,
My one and only boy... you hold a part of my heart, that the girls don't even know about. You have taught me to "embrace the dirt"... the mess. You are such an adventurous little dude, always on the go... and slightly stubborn added in the mix. You like to do things your way, without asking for help (but I think that's more your age, and not who you are... or so I keep telling myself), which has our heads bumping from time to time. You love to flood me with kisses... I'll accept them, any day... any time...

Dear Jo,
The first of my twinsies... you and your sister were the BIGGEST surprise for my life... You are one loyal little lady... You make people "work" for your love... I will work forever for it. I'm a sucker for you. You bat those lashes, and I fall apart. You love a good chase game... anytime I say, "I'm going to get you..." your face lights up... You take off... I will chase you over and over...

Dear Mable,
My truest baby of all the babies... You are a chatterbox... but only when no one else is talking, or when you have one on one time with someone. You are the quiet troublemaker. You wait until my attention is on something else, and go to town creating havoc. Smart little one, is what you are. You love like no other... You squeeze/hug every person you come into contact with...like a koala bear... Those hugs are the snuggliest, and I will treasure each and every one of them for all the days...