Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Dear Violet (22 Months),

You're growing up so fast...


Over the past month, you have grown a full inch and started saying so many new words! You've mastered your uppercase letters and most of your colors and you've started learning your lowercase letters. Your new favorite books are I Like CATS!, The Mitten and Hop on Pop.


You stored up many of your childhood illnesses for your 21st and 22nd months...battling croup, pink eye, a cold, an upset stomach and the stomach bug. Yes, in that order and yes in succession. You took it like a champ. I, on the other hand, did not. ;)


"Hi, Rich!" and "Mom's here!" are common ways we are now greeted and kicking your soccer ball and throwing your dora ball are sooooo entertaining. However, shouting, "ready, set, go!" and running the length of the room is your favorite new activity.

You're a ham Viley...I hope that never changes. ;)

Thursday, January 01, 2009

To want for nothing

During the first day of this new year I am grateful.

Despite growing up in a house where money didn't exactly grow on the tree outside our door, we never needed a thing. We had food aplenty (even if it was a bushel of zucchini), a warm home, loving family, and a safe environment. It wasn't perfect...but it was nurturing and healthy.

And now, as Violet sleeps soundly in her room upstairs and the temp dips below 20 degrees outside, I realize how blessed I am that years later I can still be in a safe, warm environment. We have food, friends near by, and faith in something bigger than ourselves.

At this moment, I want for nothing (of importance). That might not always be the case, but in this moment I am grateful.