"Charlie is my little brother AND my best friend."  Jackson announced out of the blue. Charlie agreed with a nod. Jackson has repeated the sentiment several times since just to make sure he knows.
They truly are best friends and fight light brothers. Right now they are about on the same level in a lot of areas but soon Charlie will pass him up.  He already has in a lot of things. This doesn't make me sad, I want Charlie to progress, to pass through milestones without hardships.
I watch them and hope that they will always be close.  I hope when the day comes that Charlie realizes Jackson is "different"  he will be more of the big brother.  The teacher, the protector, and most of all his friend when he may not have many.
We all need a superhero in our lives.

Sometimes we are lucky enough to escape the stresses of everyday, slow down, relax, breath deeply, and forget that the real world is still out there. This was one of those times.













Amid the hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, body boarding, swimming, relaxing, and eating
                                I fell in love with my sweet husband all over again.

My favorite valentines....

My little Charlie turned 3 today.  He wanted to go bowling and have a football party so that's what we did.







Some things about Charlie:

• Favorite foods are hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and go-gurts.
• Loves to play basketball, soccer, bowling, and play games on the computer.
• Can be overly dramatic/emotional at times.  For example, he cried for 15 minutes the other day when Mark parked the wrong direction at the store.
• Has the cutest buck-tooth smile.
• Is most complimented on his eyes.  They really are amazing.
• Loves to sing primary songs before bed.
• Nicknames are Char, Char Char, and Chuckles.
• Thinks he is pretty cool and puffs up his cheeks when he talks like he is really important.
• Loves to play with Jackson and still idealizes his big brother.
• Also, knows how to pester Jackson like only a little brother can.
• Is shy around groups and new people. 
• Loves his dad and always chooses him to help him.
• Wants to do everything for himself, and if fiercely independent.
• Is never in a hurry and is often in his own world especially when I am trying to get him out the door.

Love this little boy and can't believe how grown up he is getting.  Happy Birthday Charlie.

No, this not supposed to be serious BUT I am considering pursuing an acting career after this performance.

Bribe with chocolate to get shopping done.
Running late to meet the bus.
The kitchen needs cleaning, laundry has piled up, lunch needs to be made, toys need to be put away.
Savor the all too short nap time.
Run more errands
Bribe with ice cream.
The kitchen needs cleaning, laundry has piled up, dinner needs to be made, toys need to be put away.
Hunt down snow boots.
Bath time.
Bed time.
The kitchen needs cleaning, laundry has piled up, toys need to be put away.

The days run together and admittedly a lot of them are the same.  I am guilty of complaining about the monotony. Yet, at the end of the day, as I say my prayers, I couldn't be more grateful for what I have, for where I am in life.



So would I change things?  Nope.  Good and bad.  And it is mostly good. Especially with his help.

...the alarm goes off at 4:50 in the am...

I love a good bedtime story, especially if it involves fish sticks.