Emma

I remember the day that Emma was born.  I seen her all swaddled in the hospital blanket with a little pink knit hat on her head. She was gorgeous - a perfect little baby girl. And now she is a lovely little 2 year old girl, just as gorgeous as the first day I met her.  She is simply adorable! Happy Birthday Emma - I love watching you grow :)

Brooke: Senior!

How do you describe Brooke? She certainly is one of a kind, but if you know her, there is no doubt that you love her.  She is herself in any crowd - a trait not often found in high school girls.  She is athletic, gorgeous, talented, smart, loving, goofy, and a million other things that adjectives just don't do her justice. 

She has been my "manager" for basketball and softball for as long as I can remember because you just like to have kids like her around you.  Not only do I like spending time with Brooke, but my kids adore her - which tells me all I need to know about a person. 

This girl is no stranger to hard work.  She is dedicated to everything she does (again, a trait not often found in high school kids).  I am so proud of her successes. I have watched her grow up and am so proud of the person she has become.  And while I know she is going to leave high school to move on to bigger and better things (I don't know that the world is ready for this girl), I'm not gonna lie....I'm also going to be a little bit sad that my Brookie is grown up.

Love you Brooke!

The Deckert Family

When you think of "family", this is the family that should pop into your mind.  They could have came straight out of a movie - just a picture perfect family.  I loved spending the morning with them ~ anytime I am surrounded by love = a good time!  And seriously - just look at this family! GORGEOUS! I think I could have stayed the whole day - they are all just such warm and loving people.  This is the family that all families should strive to be like. 

Jackson!

Wow! That about sums up how I feel about this little boy.  Not only is he strikingly handsome with his blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes, but this kid is smart!  He could pass for a 3 year old.  I had such a great time taking pictures of him - he was so happy the whole time!  And his smile is completely infectious.  You can just tell that this kid is going to be surrounded by friends his entire life - and if you don't know this little man yet, you are going to want to meet him! Just looking at him brings a smile to your face.  There are kids that just grab you, and Jackson is one of those :)

First Day of Kindergarten

This seemed appropriate for today......

He started school this morning

and he seemed so very small,

as I walked there beside him

in the Kindergarten hall.

And as he took his place beside
the others in his class,
I realized how all too soon
those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw him as
he first learned how to walk
The words that we alone made out
when he first began to talk.

This little boy so much absorbed
in learning how to write,
it seems as though he must have grown
to boyhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred by hastily,
I brushed the tears away,
lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar his first big day.

Oh, how I longed to stay with him
and keep him by the hand,
to lead him through the places
that he couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
was mingled with my pride,
I knew he would no longer be
a baby by my side.

But he must have his chance to live,
to work his problems out -
the privilege to grow and learn
what life is all about.

And I must share my little boy
with friends and work and play,
He's not a baby anymore -
He is in Kindergarten today.

I love you forever Ryder Jaxson.  I'm so very proud of you.
Love,
Mom