Memory Lane.....

I spent part of today remembering Skyler's first Christmas. A year has really flown by. I could not of dreamed up a life for myself that is as good as the one I am living right now. The Baby, the Husband, my Mum & Dad, Sisters & In-Laws, life in Lakeland, opportunity. Blessing after Blessing..... You all know how I love then and now pictures. Enjoy!

New Tradition

Christmas is probably the most magical time of the year for little children. Skyler's favorite word all month has been Santa! I know she has really enjoyed looking at all the tree ornaments and bright colorful lights these past few weeks.

Tom & I started collecting ornaments about 4 years ago and last year, we included Skyler in this wonderful family Christmas tradition. Friends and family have helped us by purchasing ornaments especially for our Sweet Pea. I'm hoping as the years go by, it will be a quite magical taking out those ornaments we've had for years. I'm positive that each time we unearth them and unwrap them, memories of the past will bubble up and we'll soak in those good times! Scroll down with me as we look over 2009 and the most current Christmas ornaments.

Skyler received this personalized ornament from Glammey & Papa and just couldn't wait to place it on our tree. She's been such an Angel these past weeks leading up to Jesus' birth. She doesn't touch the ornaments or disturb the presents underneath!

This next ornament was purchased in memory of our first Family Reunion......Tennessee! Auntie Cheryl & Uncle Charles just mailed a John Deere tractor ornament for Sky, since she just loved their Farm so much! I'll be sure to include a picture once it arrives.

2009 Ornaments below:

from Skip & Maryl Richey

from Richard & Judi Sellers

from Glammey & Papa

Ornaments are a great way to bring family history into your Christmas. Tom & I have enjoyed collecting ornaments from our trips together and for our anniversary. It's just fun to write down the meaning of each ornament as we accumulate them. Here's to all the wonderful memories we'll now start to log with Skyler, especially those hand made ones!

Hello, Santa!

My Citrus Center Kiwanis club has a long and proud history of supporting the Florida Baptist Children's through financial gifts, summer cookouts and holiday parties. (just to name a few) This past Thursday, Skyler enjoyed her second visit to this wonderful, annual holiday party.

Although she had little interest in sitting on Santa's lap, she stood next to him and waved the entire time as he handed out gifts to the children. The above picture tells the story! Serving the Children of the World is our Kiwanis motto and I just love taking Skyler with me to the many volunteer events throughout our community.

That afternoon, Skyler got to play Santa's helper as we delivered Chrsitmas presents to a needy family through the Christmas Angel program at Highland's Grove Elementary school. Our dear friend, Maryl Richey, heads up this amazing program and it was great to come together to make the lives of less fortunate families more festive. We also enjoyed a nice visit in her guidance office and Skyler got attached to Maryl's Irish Bear before leaving! (above) Sorry, Papa....lol!

Play Date

This past Friday, the 10th, Skyler enjoyed an entire day with Clayton Knowles. Because his babysitter was unable to watch him, we gladly filled in and just had a fabulous day! Skyler & Clayton have been buddies since birth. Attending each other's birthday parties, sitting next to one another during the Dreadnaught football games and entertaining each other during Thursday morning Kiwanis meetings.

The chilly weather did not stop them from enjoying the playground. These two climbed, slid and swung all morning!

Skyler even got her 13th tooth that day and it never slowed her down. Her lower right Canine emerged, so perhaps that's why her tongue was hanging out quite a bit that day. She was impersonating a puppy. lol.... Check out her pretty pearly whites below!

After our back yard entertainment, we went on an hour wagon ride around the neighborhood. I definitely logged in my cardio for the day, pulling over 50 pounds to boot!

We also enjoyed some indoor play time after lunch.

After saying our goodbyes to Clayton around 4PM, it was bath time. Daddy was taking us out to dinner so we needed to freshen up! Skyler has gotten into the cute habit of laying down amongst the bubbles. She certainly is our sweet Angel!

Hot-Hot-Hot!

I'm sorry my blogging skills have not been so hot lately. The demands in my schedule have been intense, but I realize that's not an excuse to keep the Princess away from you all. What's HOT in our house hold is the ever so popular Pillow Pets. Skyler scored this "must have" holiday goodie from my dear friend, Sherri Kelley. These soft, cuddly animals come in 13 different animal choices and of course our Sweet Pea received the Lady Bug.

A pillow and a pet - all in one! This unique creation has a strap that closes underneath that transforms them into a friendly pet. Skyler just enjoys laying on this soft, cuddly Lady Bug while watching her dvd's.

Although the weather has been quite cold, the love for Skyler remains red hot! Over the Thanksgiving weekend, we spent the day with Auntie Kevie, Uncle Larry and Cousins Nikki, Jodi & Jared and also Jordan and Dustin. It was a wonderful Saturday filled with tons of play and also a special treat to have the whole Clark Family together. Below are a variety of pictures capturing our fun!

The very next Saturday, December 4th, Skyler and I had a fabulous girl day with Glammey. We filled it with plenty of Christmas shopping and a delicious lunch. That evening, I relaxed while watching Sky climb all over her Glammey. She just simply adores my Mum! More red hot love ahead.....

Skyler's vocabular is increasing by leaps and bounds. She is putting words together and can be understood very easily. Her newest word is "HOT". Tom purchased a ceramic heater for our living room and although it is safe to touch while on, we described the warmth to Skyler as hot heat. Everytime it's turned on or we run the central heat, she'll quickly say "HOT"....too cute!

I just had to include this last picture of our sweetie in her pretty red dress and black tights taken right before we left for church. (Still wearing those pretties) She is well known as Miss Fashionable to all the day care ladies!

.....For Glammey!

Skyler is excited to announce the very special birthday of her Glammey. We hope you have a fabulous day today. We love you so very much. Happy Birthday, Glammey! From your #1 cheering fan......

Also, our Sweet Pea turns 18 months today, so I get to enjoy two wonderful celebrations!

Gobble-Gobble II

I'm hoping you all were surrounded by many blessings this Thanksgiving. Glammey & Papa joined us for the festivities. The weather was lovely and our day was filled with love. Now with this being Skyler's second Turkey Day, I just have to jump into my archives and grab a 2009 picture to compare. Skyler wore a gorgeous Macy's dress given to her at birth from Sally Rae & Jerry, a dear family friend since the 1970's! My, how she has grown from an infant to a pretty little girl.......

Now 2010 (above)

Then 2009 (below)

While Papa & Daddy golfed, Glammey, Skyler & I enjoyed watching the Macy's Parade. No matter the year, it has been a common thread in my Thanksgiving mornings, so I was delighted to share it with my daughter.

After a wonderful meal, we all got cozy and enjoyed an evening of football.

The day was not complete without Skyler looking at her home made holiday card from her sweet Idaho friend, Ron. She has been saying the word turkey for about a month now, so she gets pretty excited when she sees one! Hope you all had a little excitement in your day.