You Are My Sunshine

As I was "helping" Cade get dressed this morning, it hit me that he must have grown three inches over night. His legs looked longer in his jeans and just yesterday morning, he couldn't even wear his cowboy boots anymore. (sad day for Cade)
So being the sentimental mommie that I am, I told him that he better stop growing up on me. To which he replied, "Mommie, I am not your baby anymore." After I removed the dagger from my heart and wiped a tear from my eye, I smiled and replied, "Oh yes, you will always be my baby."




"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are grey.
You'll never know dear, how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away."

"Shmo-me"

My third son. Smokey has roughly a dozen nicknames...but this one is my favorite. I even have the boys calling him that. He's loved by them, and loves them just as much. He truly is the sweetest, friendliest kitty we've ever had.

A Better Portrait...

In my last post I included my latest self portrait. At the time, I was satisfied overall by how they turned out. However, upon seeing this portrait, I stand corrected.

This portrait was drawn today by Beau. Upon seeing it, I immediately smiled and said (as Beau always does) "Now, this makes me happy." I then asked him to tell me all about this little guy he drew. First he pointed out his heart, and all the veins running to it, his big eyes and smile, and the grass he was standing on. And automatically, I could relate to his artwork in a way that Van Gogh's work could never do.

How could I relate, you wonder? Well, quite simply, I see me. I see what I feel like on the inside these days, but I also see hope. Despite this little guy's imperfections (art critics may say, I beg to differ), he still smiles. He still opens his arms to anything and anyone. And most importantly, he has a heart. No matter what hardships, or disappointments, that try to deter one from hope, or losing heart, he hasn't. And neither will I.

Me, Myself and I.

So, I inwardly battled whether or not to do this post...ya know, pictures of just me. Fearful that I may come across as vain, conceited, or you fill in the blank. But I decided I would post these pictures...for me. Not for you, or anyone else's approval or disapproval. It doesn't really matter.
Quite simply, I am the only person in my home that will be still long enough to be photographed and it not be blurry. And I had received the long lost lens (50mm) in the mail and missed playing around with it in the past six months. I had also come across some new little tricks on Photoshop that I enjoyed experimenting with. So, there you have it. My list of reasons why I felt justified in doing this post. Yet, I am still not satisfied.
My final reason is this...because I wanted to. That's it. I want to document my life in photos too, along with my boys and beautiful family I love so much. This is the face that is smiling behind all the photos you see on this blog. This is the woman who is starting to try for once in her life, to be comfortable in her own skin, unapologetically. This is me. I am loved by God, unconditionally. And maybe, just maybe, its time I start doing the same. Starting with me. According to the Jesus, I can't truly love others, if I am not loving myself...so here goes.
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31

Postcards from the Artic

Well, maybe not the Artic...but I think it is fair to say, Tennessee Tundra. The past few days have not been above freezing, which means the snow did not go anywhere, schools are closed and we've made the best of it. Playing out in it EVERYDAY! Here are some of my favorites of today.

No Tamron

Today we had our first official snow day of 2011! Our family loves to play in out in the snow...until our cheeks are frozen! Today I was also expecting to have my new Tamron lens delievered, along with the 50mm to replace the one that broke in June of last year. Since then I had been frugally saving my money to make this purchase. Finally, I did last week, only to have the delievery delayed due to weather...ugh! And what beautiful weather I could have captured on my new lens...oh well. I hope these will do.
We had fun...no Tamron and all.

Happy Birthday Denny!

My New Year's Baby...Denny! Here we are at Nee Nee's celebrating with yummy homemade Spaghetti and brownies with the "green stuff" as his cake...his choice! The "green stuff" is a Mihalek family favorite recipe in which I recently learned how to make, to the elation of my husband! This is one of the many birthdays I have spent with Denny, which I believe the first birthday we spent together, he was turning 22! Now as he turned 37, I couldn't be more proud of the man he is, and who will become. I love you Denny, and will forever.

Happy 3rd Birthday Cade!

Our little Cader Tot is THREE! I can't believe it really...my baby is a little boy. His birthday party was a hit, ROCK STAR theme and all! Cade had most of his family here and alot of his and Beau's friends came to rock out with him! And we cannot forget to mention his special request for a "Banjo Cake"...yes, you read correctly. And yes, I made it! After the party, the boys put on a special concert for all the guests...I can see their names headlining a major concert one day!

Our 2010 Christmas!

If I could sum up this Christmas in one word it would be, BIG! The boys are getting old enough to get excited about all the traditions, and of course presents!Yet, I realized this year the necessity of instilling within our children the true meaning of Christmas...every day within our hearts. Christmas happens everyday, its just whether we realize it or not.
Some of the greatest gifts this Christmas was being able to spend time with all our family from out of town. Uncle Chad and Aunt Claire spent the Christmas holidays here in TN, and we were grateful for the time we had together.

Christmas Eve at Paw Paw's

We enjoyed having our Dot Dot visiting during Christmas this year. It was such a blessing to share the holidays with her. We also enjoyed having our Christmas Eve dinner with Paw Paw and Vic, followed by presents...and more presents! I posted a few pics of the boys favorite presents!

Christmas Cookie Tradition

Keeping up with traditions in our home, this year was our 7th year for Mihalek Christmas Cookies! Our dear friend, Michelle has joined us 5 out of 7 Christmases! Unfortunately, her husband Umut could not join us this year, he was greatly missed! (this is Michelle looking sad because of his absence)It is always a night of great memories and some unforgettable looking cookies! And of course, way too much sugar before bedtime!