5 Reasons I Smile

The ultimate goal of this blog is to spread awareness and show how beautiful life can be. We have four amazing daughters. Our youngest was born with Down syndrome. If just one person stops here and leaves with a different, better perspective about Down syndrome, then it is worth it. Regardless, I have 5 Reasons to Smile!



Monday, May 31, 2010

Celebrations: Life, Love and Mama

May is full of some extra special days for us. We have Mother's Day, a Birthday, an Anniversary, and they all fall in the same week! Now, we just had a wonderful Memorial weekend, with some big first-time things occurring. As much as I want to write about those (maybe tomorrow), I want to get down what we celebrated earlier this month, before it is June!
For me, 2010 has felt different. During 2009 I was still dealing with the emotional impact of Kamryn's diagnosis. She was born in August of 08 and I carried a heavy sadness with me until about the end of 2009. Where I was in August of 2008, and where and who I am now has been transforming.


I NEVER knew I could appreciate life more, because I had a HUGE appreciation for it.

I NEVER knew my (our) life could be better than it was, because it was GREAT.

I NEVER knew that I could really embrace this path and feel like my life was perfect, (perfect for us).


I realize now, there was so much I never knew. I see life a little differently now. It's clearer and more beautiful. And all the celebrations, they seem to be so much sweeter.......




Mother's Day 2010 - There is no better way to spend the day than at the park (with four of my favorite girls, my mom, my sister and Zack)! Sometimes, I have to pinch myself...I'm the luckiest mommy in the world!


the girls before church and at the park








Diondray's Birthday...BBQ at our house! By the pictures, it appears to be a child's party (there was a bounce house in the back yard too)! All those kids have parents, their parents happen to be our friends. :)





We also celebrated our 13 year wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful dinner (for two and not one picture). Not to make anyone jealous :), we are going to a spa this month to celebrate.


I really do have 5 Reasons to Smile...........



6 comments:

  1. Love your photos and so happy for your new outlook on life. Kamryn is stunningly beautiful, Andrea. REALLY TRULY! as are all your girls. Happy Anniversary to you... look what you've created together. Gorgeous family full of love. Can't really ask for more than that, can you? PS: Have fun at the spa. My husband would rather die than have a massage. LOL!

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  2. What a gorgeous family! And your enthusiasm is contagious so thank you. :-)

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  3. So so so beautiful...I'm so happy you are at this place now and because it was a long and sometimes painful road to get here, you will ALWAYS appreciate it! Kamryn is stunning! as are all your girls!

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  4. happy anniversary, happy birthday, and happy mother's day!!! so happy you are in a happy place (have i said happy enough???!!!) :)

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  5. The girls are all just precious! I tried to tell you that things would be more than okay :), that life would feel beautiful once again. I am so happy you were able to find your way back to your happy life. We are so blessed!!

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