Michael's Second Birthday

My Dearest Mikey,

Here we are... Two short years after you made your entrance into the world and into my life.  My life has not been the same since.  You and your sister are my biggest source of joy and my biggest energy drain.  You keep me going, you keep me laughing and boy, oh, boy do I love seeing you smile.

I tried and tried for months upon months to get you to say 'mommy.'  But you just refused.  You called me every name, but mommy.  You called me daddy, G.G, Roxy, Popa, Mac, and Gramma before you finally said mommy.  But when you did finally say it, my heart grew three sizes that day.  I waited and waited and waited for you to finally say it, and you did. I couldn't be more happier.

You are a crazy little boy though, do you know that?  You run in circles with your sister around the living room, laughing and giggling and sometimes falling out as soon as you make yourself dizzy.  

You are a human garbage disposal.  I have yet to see you turn down any food.  You keep going and going and going.  It seems like you never stop.  Unless, of course you are asleep. 

And you are such a good little brother.  You are always looking out for your big sister, giving her hugs and kisses every night before you go to bed.

I will always love you and I will always be in your corner.  I will promise you that I will always listen to you and I will always be someone that you can count on.  I will do whatever I can to make your life better for you as long as there is air in my lungs and my heart still beats.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Love Always,

Momma

December 15, 2014

Lyric's Fourth Birthday

My Beautiful Daughter, Lyric,

My Sweet, Loving, and Wonderful baby girl. You are turning four today.

Four fantastic years old!

I am not sure how that is even possible.

I thought that you were never going to come along. But you finally decided to make your grand appearance.

And the waiting was so worth it. You are the baby that we were meant to have.

Days old...

I thought that I knew what it would be like to be a mother.

I thought that I knew what it meant to love.

Then, you arrived and taught me that, in fact, I knew very little.

One year old...

You taught me that once you have a child, you are more vulnerable that I had ever thought possible.

You showed me that watching you sleep was the most important thing that I could do on any given afternoon.

Two years old...

Loving you has shown me that I can't control everything. 

That sometimes the most amazing moments come from letting go just a little bit.

That sometimes it's better to let life guide us just a bit.

You have taught me to laugh at myself, because nothing makes you laugh harder.

Three years old...

You have helped me to realize that throwing caution to the wind every once in a while doesn't have to be scary.

You have taught me that the amount of love that the heart can hold is endless.

That just when I am certain that I couldn't possibly love you more, you make my heart nearly explode.

Four years old...

You have shown me that life passes by us ever so quickly.

I don't want to waste a single moment of this time that I've been given to share with you.

You have brought me more joy that I had ever dreamed possible.

Happy Birthday, My Beautiful Baby.

With more love than you can possibly imagine, 

Mommy

November 25th, 2014

Happy Birthday Popa

This is a few days late... But I went all day yesterday thinking that it was my Popa's birthday. So, I figured that I should pay tribute to him. As he has been on my mind quite a bit lately.

I thought that I would write you a letter, but I don't know where to start or what to write. So, I think that I will write about the memories that I have been thinking about the last few months. 

So, here it goes...

* Dancing on your feet to music in the family room.

* Playing your trumpet and tuba in the bedroom with you.

* Flying helicopters and airplanes at the park.

* Loosing an airplane on a roof at the park down from your house.

* Riding bikes at Winstead Park.

* Staying the weekend with you and Grama.

* Visits to the Downtown Library.

* Coming home with a ton of books.

* You reading Hank the Cow Dog to me.

* Going to the fair.

Happy Birthday Popa!

I Love You,

Morgie

Mikey's First Birthday

My Dear Michael,

Wow - Where did the last year go? I cannot believe that you are already ONE year old! Where did the time go?! It seems like it was just yesterday that I got to meet you for the first time and hold your sweet, little body next to mine. And here we are, a whole year later.

This has truly been one remarkable year. You have changed and grown so much from that little bundle of joy that we first brought home last winter. And now, you are crawling all over the place, "My Little Speed Demon." Just trying to keep up with your big sister. You pull up onto furniture and climbing on and up anything and everything that you possibly can. My only hope is that as you grow you are brave to take new risks and that you learn from your journeys and your risks no matter what the outcome may be.

You came into this world weighing in at 7 pounds and 5 ounces and 20 inches long. Such a tiny, precious, little baby. You came into this world so fast that you didn't give your mommy much time to get checked into the hospital. You knew that you wanted to come and you weren't going to wait for anyone or anything, now were you? You were my little bathroom baby. :) And now, you are still such a little baby. You laugh, you talk, and you walk. Making everyone who meets you smile. I can only dream of the young man that you will one day become. I will do anything and everything under the moon to be a good mother to you and to help guide you in your journey childhood and into your adulthood.

I love you Michael Justin. I love your cuddles, your smiles, and your giggles. I love your big, wide opened smile and the way you smack your lips as if you are going to give kisses. I love your dark hair and your almost black eyes and your long eyelashes. (Just like your sister.)

Happy first birthday to my sweet little son. May this be just the beginning of many, many more wonderful years to come. Thanks for letting me be your mommy! I love you my sweet, special boy!

Love,

Mommy

December 15, 2013

Lyric's Third Birthday

My Dearest Lyric,

Oh my. We are three years old now. Where did the last three years go? You are growing up too fast. Your mommy doesn't like it. But boy, has it been three years. I have watched you go from a newborn baby that relied on your daddy and mommy to a very independent young girl. You love to do things on your own that are easy enough for you. Although, you do have your daddy's temper. If something isn't going the way you want or your way you tend to throw a fit. We haven't really had any problems with temper tantrums. But boy can you get an attitude. I guess you get that from both your mommy and from your daddy. 

You have made a wonderful big sister to your baby brother. I love to watch the two of you play. Don't ever let anything get between you and your brother. You two are family whether you like it or not. 

You love to run around in nothing but your pull up or your panties. But I think that if you had it your way, you would run around in the nude if you could all day. Your mommy just seems that she can't keep your clothes on you. You just like to take them off! Silly girl!

I hope that you have a wonderful birthday and can't wait for the many many more wonderful years that we have ahead. 

I love you baby girl!

Mommy

November 25, 2013

Lyric's Second Birthday

Oh, My Sweet Baby Girl,

Happy Birthday My Love.

I can't believe that it has already been two years. It feels like just yesterday, when I was anxiously awaiting for your arrival into the world. You could not get here fast enough. But when you finally made your debut, I could not be happier. I was so in love. I didn't know what love really was until I had you in my arms. I was on cloud nine. 

What an amazing adventure it has been. I was so afraid and scared that I was not going to be a good mother to you. I hope that I have done an okay of a job and that I make you glad to call me your mommy.

I have watched you go from a teeny, tiny, needy newborn. To an independent, determined, self-assured little girl who has her mind made up about almost everything.

In two short years you have taught me so much. Although, I thought that it was supposed to be your daddy and mommy's job to teach you.

I can already see traces of the woman that you are going to one day grow up to be. You are going to be a great mommy. And a great sister to your baby brother.

When I was a little girl and growing up,I imagined the little girl that I would one day have. You aren't anything at all that I imagined. Not even close. You are so much better, and amazing than I could have ever dreamed of. Sometimes when I look at your sweet face, I end up teary eyed. Because of just how lucky I am to be your mommy and have you in my life. 

I hope that I can always help to guide you in the right direction. I hope that I allow you enough freedom to make your own decisions. 

I have loved every single second of watching you learn and explore and grow. You are turning from a baby to a child far to quickly. Way to quickly. And boy, do I not like it. I hate it. I do, I hate it!

I would love to keep you exactly the way you are at this moment, forever. But I can't. I know that I can't. But, what I can do is to cherish every second that I have with you. Savor your high pitched giggles, your waking up every morning calling for "daddy" or for "mommy."

I have no doubts that you will conquer every obstacle in your future. You are wonderful. You are amazing. You are worthy. You are gorgeous. You are Loving. You are You. And your mommy loves you!

I love you forever.

Love,

Mommy

November 25, 2012

Happy Birthday, Popa!

I'm a little late at writing this post. I was hoping to have it finished this morning, but I didn't know what to write. So, I searched the internet and found a few poems/quotes that I liked and am going to use to dedicate to my popa who would have turned 81 years old today. He fought hard to try to make it so that he could meet Lyric, but just couldn't make it. Although, I know that he would be so proud of me and the woman that I have become and the mother that I am to Lyric. 

I love and miss you so much Popa!

-Says MORGAN JANAE WITH LOVE, OOMPA

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart

given by God to guard my way and guide my steps.

Grandfathers are for loving and fixing things.

Grandfathers are just antique little boys.

Who needs Santa...I got Grandpa!

You listened to my childish talk,

found time to take me for a walk.

For memories both old and new,

Grandfather, I say, I love you!

You put the "grand" in grandpa!

Gramps is another name for love.

A perfect grandparent; loves them, spoils them...then sends them home.

A grandfather's wisdom and love reach beyond all measure. They are a special treasure!

Grandpa, thanks for teaching me about life and being my friend! 

You're the bestest Grandpa in the whole, wide world!

-unknown

-Me and Lyric putting down a Poinsettia at my Popa's grave

A Grandfather's Love

I love you dear Grandfather, for all you mean to me,

I think of you each day, as I pray and wonder how you've been.

This day I make especially yours, as I just want to say,

I thank God you're my Grandpa, for all the joy you give away.

Of all the grandfathers in the world, the most special one to find

Is the only one that I can see, because you're truly mine

Thank you for the faith you live and how wonderful you are,

I am guided by your footstep and the love within your heart.

So I send you this card with a love that is sincere, 

No other Grandpa in the world could ever be so dear.

-Soft Whispers for Grandfathers from Derry's Heart Poems 

-Me and Lyric putting down a Poinsettia at my Popa's grave

Remembering My Grandfather

God gave me someone special who would love me for all time, 

My most beloved Grandfather, a treasured friend of mine

His soulful beauty very deep, inside his loving heart,

To cherish me with all his love, even when we are apart.

Blessing me with unseen gifts, of kind and thoughtful words,

Praying for me everyday, with continual concern

And when I have a worry, that I really need to tell,

Listening quietly, then advising, he always does so well.

In all that life would bring, his example's what I view, 

A life of steadfast faith, that God will see us through. 

God chose for me a grandfather, the one He made for me,

I'm glad that you are mine, none more loving could there be.

-Soft Whispers for a Grandfather from Derry's Heart Poems

-We Love You, Popa!

Lyric's First Birthday

My Baby Girl,

Today, is your very first birthday. And I fall in love with you deeper and deeper each and every day.

I remember so clearly meeting you for the very first time, which was one year ago today. The doctor pulled you out, said that you were a girl and a few short minutes later you were laying on my chest in my arms. You were the most beautiful, precious, little thing that I had ever laid eyes on! You cried and although I wanted to cry, I wouldn't. You cried and I said, "Hi, Lyric." You looked up at me and into my eyes and just looked at me. It was the most wonderful moment of my entire life! And in that moment, I knew that I was your mother and you were my daughter and that you would change my life forever...

And now, a year has passed since that amazing day. And in this incredibly fast paced year, I saw your very first smile, heard your first giggles, and cried when you rolled over for the very first time. I cheered for you when you first tried to crawl and smiled when you finally decided that you wanted to sit up like all the other little girls that were at the photo shoot with you when you just wanted to crawl when they were all sitting. I cheered and I cried when you first stood up on those chubby little legs of yours and tried to take your first wobbly steps. I did all of this because I was and am so proud and amazed at how far you have come this past year.

You came into this world, weighing, 7 pounds and 9 ounces and 20 and a quarter inches long. Such a tiny, little baby. So pink and soft, so innocent and pure, dependent and perfect in every possible way. And now, your a little girl... 21 pounds 6 ounces. You laugh, you talk, you walk. Making everyone smile who is lucky enough to meet you. You are one year old today, but beginning a journey. A journey that will take you in many different directions and will teach you many different things. As I watch you walking ever so cautiously, I think of the woman I hope that you will one day become. I will do anything and everything under the sun to be a good mother to you and help guide you in your journey childhood and into adulthood. 

You have developed into such an amazing little person already. You are the sweetest and most loving child I have ever met. You are kind, gentle-hearted and oh so smart. I know in my heart there are big things ahead of you. You have made this world a better place by being in it and I feel so honored to have been chosen to be your mother. 

You melt my heart every time you smile, and when you lay your head in my lap after playing so hard. Never in my life have I been so excited to wake up... It's because I get to wake up to you. You always wake up in such a great mood and happy and talking. I look forward to when you wake up and seeing your precious, smiling face and am excited for what the day might hold for the two of us.

I know that this last year being at home with you has been the greatest gift that I could ever ask for. This year has been an amazing journey. It has been the most rewarding, incredible, special time in my whole life. I will cherish the experience of your first year of life in a special way, and will treasure it always in my heart. 

Words cannot express how much I love you, my princess, my precious baby girl. You are my sunshine, my heart, my purpose for being - my everything. I'm so very proud of you and honored to be your momma. This last year has been filled with priceless memories and I look forward to so many more to come. 

Love, 

Momma

November 25th, 2011

Happy Birthday Marines

   All U.S. Marines are gung-ho.  But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune.  In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

   Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps.  It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps.  Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

   Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it.  In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance.  The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground.  At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.

   The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925.  First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials.  Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern.  Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

   Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own.  In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances.  For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine.  Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

   Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional  functions of today.  Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November!  This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country.  Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Source

Baby Girls Present

Saturday afternoon,

Baby Girl got a birthday present. 

A birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa.

  

She got the Go Baby Go! Stride-to-Ride Dino.

It is a toy to help her walk and then once she masters the walking part.

The Dino can turn into a ride on Dino.

And by the looks of it, 

Wouldn't you say that she likes it?

She loves to push the buttons on the little Dino's head. Because they sing and talk and flash different colors. 

Just look at her face! Isn't that the face of pure joy? 

Sorry, I don't know why my video is sideways.