At Considerable Cost

Still catching up now that I've transferred photos from my phone!   We celebrated our first birthday party in this house and it was wonderful.   Again with the floor plan!   It made such a difference.   It's not square footage that matters in a house; it's how it's laid out and arranged. C talked about a Jessie (Toy Story) birthday party for months.   It was so much fun to plan!   Lovely friends and family made for a lovely gathering. Opening gifts on her actual birthday.   A swimming doll.   Excellent choice by Daddy!   Cake, after pizza and swimming!   Perfect evening! Cowgirl C The costume came from our parish garage sale.   She found it; she wore it the whole party, long sleeves and all. Jessie hat cupcakes

It's really hard to believe that my sweet C. turns five today.   Five years ago, my Aunt Betty drove in to watch E. while I checked into the hospital to be induced.   C. has kept us on our toes and brought tremendous joy into our lives.   E. and T. look SO much like Joey, but C. favors my side, particularly Mama's family.   When she looks at me a certain way, I can see Mama in her face.  She has the most gorgeous curls and she stands at the mirror trying to comb them straight, regardless of how many times she is told by strangers that her hair is beautiful.   She is a cuddler who always seems to know just when someone needs a hug or a kind word. She does everything with gusto!   Joey and I can't believe how our children seem to take after their patron saints.   One of her patron saints is St. Jeanne d' Arc (Joan of Arc's French name).   She is just as fiesty, and stout of heart and will as those tw...