Demi Chenelle...

Sweet baby girl,
It's just moments away from your big #2 birthday. Just saying it makes me want to cry. Each and every time I try to write this I cry...that hard cry that overcomes me, that says the emotions are almost overwhelming when I think of you, or that every square inch of my heart loves you so big. You arrived into our lives at a time I would have said was "inconvenient". But, God knew that he was giving us such a gift and you were part of His perfect plan. From the moment I knew of you, I was completely enamoured, taken, in love with you. The first time I heard your heart beat was the moment I couldn't imagined life before you. But, the first time ever I saw your face...I was forever changed. I don't believe there has been a day in the last 2 years where I didn't quietly thank God specifically for you. You gave me a reason to smile each and every day during one of the hardest years of my life. You gave me direction and purpose because you needed me. You have brought laughter and love, giggles and pride, calmness and peace, and such a sweetness to our family.

Things you love:

your blanket "saucy"
max and ruby dvd
singing (it's the sweetest sound in my day...and you sing ALL day)
daddy...you are his princess buttercup
your sisters (brielle helps you and taya plays with you and you light up each time you see them come into the room)
molly and the big comfy couch
puppies
bubbles
playing outside
toe nail polish
being naked
mini marshmellows
doing "morning" with mommy (our snuggle time)
doing "ny-ny" (bedtime) with mama and daddy (review of the day, 2 songs, prayer, "i wub you's" and kisses
peas and green beans

I have often said since your birth that savoring each moment has not slowed it down...if I could have I would have. You are so precious to us, Demi. Happy 2nd Birthday, baby.

Love, Mama

autumn...

it's upon us...my FAVORITE season! welcome fall. the things i most appreciate about autumn range from the perfect scented candle, ALL the decor, the colors, baking and feeling it's warmth in my home all day, the schedule and routine, the "quieting" of me. we had such a fun and crazy summer and i can easily say of it, the kids loved every minute. but, fall...fall is my time. it's like there is room in the day just for me. for a long bubble bath at night, moments to reflect and journal, time for a walking schedule, or to read a good book, time for my thoughts.

yesterday, i made my first batch of fireside coffee...awww fall has arrived! it's a coffee recipe i got several years from one of my girlfriends (who is a fabulous cook). it's a perfect companion to a slice of "candy bread" (that's what my daughters call banana bread and pumpkin loaves). for me, fireside is to autumn what the tree is to christmas. here is the recipe:

~FIRESIDE COFFEE~
2 cups instant hot cocoa (hot chocolate for canadians)
2 cups dry coffee creamer (coffeemate)
1 cup instant coffee (erik likes it when i double this amount)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 cup cups sugar (i use less...about half that much)

mix well and then store in container of your choice.
add 2-3 tbsp. to hot water...enjoy! it makes such a great gift.


i would love to know what your favorite fall recipes are. whether they be something for the crockpot or a favorite loaf, a comforting casserole or a fabulous cookie...please share!