the sweetest girl i know...

On Friday, Lexi had her school Christmas program.  Mimi joined us and after the program Mimi took Lexi home with her for the weekend.  Every year Mimi and Paw Paw take Lexi to "Winter Wonderland" in Grapevine.  This was their third year to go!  Lexi loves this tradition with her Mimi and Paw Paw!! 

Lexi was at Mimi and Paw Paw's all weekend.  I got a lot of sleep and stuff done for Christmas.  Lexi told me that Friday night when she went to bed she sang, "You are my Sunshine" because she missed me.  She also said while she was watching "Punky Brewster" on daddy's ipad she looked at my bridal portrait and cried because she missed me.  She said she hid her tears from Paw Paw (Mimi was at the store).  Those stories broke. my. heart.  I know she had a blast over there and can't wait to go back, but she loves so much that it physically hurts when she is away from us...just like our hearts physically hurt when she is away from us.  Lexi is the sweetest girl I know.  :)

cheers to you + yours this holiday season.

love her!

i texted this picture...

To Jason while he is on the road.  His response, "beautiful."  Beautiful it is.  Her hair isn't perfect, she isn't smiling or posing, it's just beautiful because Lexi is beautiful inside and out.

this girl

Lexi is growing up so fast.  My friend Anne says she looks 25 in these pictures and I agree.  Lexi is beautiful, but is still a kid at heart.  Tonight Lexi and I went to dinner because Jason is on the road.  We sat in a booth and she wanted to sit next to me.  Christmas music was playing and she was singing her heart out and being as animated as ever.  She also hugged and kissed me multiple times.  During one big squeeze and kiss I noticed a group of 4 older ladies with festive sweaters on pointing and smiling at us.  Lexi puts so much JOY into so many hearts.  I just love this girl!!

why i blog...

I blog because I love Lexi.  I want her to look back at my words and know how much she was (is) loved every single day.  I don't know what tomorrow holds.  I don't know if I will be here tomorrow or in two days.  I write my blog because I love my daughter and I just want her to know that. :)

milk + cookies

Winter storm 2013 is on its way so we went to the grocery store to stock up!  We bought all the ingredients for 2 different kinds of cookies.  We made chocolate chip today and will make red velvet cookies tomorrow during the ice storm! 

mini me

Yesterday Lexi went with me to take pictures for a friend.  After the photo shoot we all went to dinner and saw, 'Frozen.'  Lexi and I LOVED the movie!!  It was so cute...I suspect we will go see it again before it leaves the theaters. :)

Here's my lil' second shooter:

home for the holidays

We are so thankful to be in our home for the holidays.  It is warm + cozy and filled with laughter + love.  Happy holidays!

give thanks

We had a great Thanksgiving in our new home this year!  Uncle Chip, Aunt Sarah, Preston and Grandma Mike all came from Houston to celebrate with us, Mimi, Paw Paw, Uncle Daniel and Aunt Kristi.  Mimi and Paw Paw were the first ones to arrive.  While we all gathered in the kitchen I noticed a fire on our dining room table.  I yelled, "FIRE!!" and ran!  I had some votive candles on the table as well as some fake leaves and the windows open...not a good combination.  Thankfully, we got the fire out fast!  That started the day a little bit on the crazy side, but it quickly became relaxing, fun, delicious, and perfect.  We were with most of the people we love, we had more than plenty of food and our home was warm.  While at dinner Lexi started the "Thankful" game.  She said she was thankful for me and Jason.  We all went around the table and expressed our love for each other.  Thanksgiving 2013 was simply delightful.

*I took out my camera this year, but still had a hard time remembering to take pictures!!  Maybe next year I will learn!!

must be doing something right.

There are times when "mommy guilt" is strong.  Did I play enough today with Lexi?  Did I teach her anything today?  Should I really have raised my voice over that?  I'm not perfect and know I never will be and even after 5 years of being a mom, I still learn something new everyday.  But, I know we must be doing something right as Lexi's parents. 

Lexi is incredibly loving and wise beyond her years.  Yesterday she and I were talking about my grandpa.  She said, "He must be in heaven because I've never met him."  I said, "Yes" and Lexi responded with a sweet smile and a wink, "You'll see him again."  This morning Lexi hugged Jason and said, "I miss you when you are out of town."  She then asked me to fold my hands for her morning prayer:

"Dear God, Thank you for this day.  Thank you for last night and a good nights sleep.  I think you chose wonderful choices for my mom and dad.  I can't wait to see you in heaven.  Amen." 

My purpose for this life is to protect and love Lexi.  I believe she knows she is loved.  She is my sunshine and she will never understand the depth of my love, but I strive to help her comprehend.  I don't understand how, but my heart continues to grow.  Ahh, sweet Lexi . . . i love you.

lexi is five

I just can't believe it.  I can't believe Lexi is already five years old.  I know, I know...every. single. person with a child warned us how fast it would go.  I must say, warnings are not enough.  I knew it was approaching and I tried to prepare myself, but the fact is, I don't think you can prepare yourself.  5 is big.  Not just big, it's monumental.  I'm tearing up typing this in fact.  Not only is the baby stage over, the toddler and pre-kid stages are over too.  Lexi is a kid.  Not just a kid, but a big kid.  Don't get me wrong, I love this stage we are in right now just as much as I have loved all the other stages, but it just feels like we are starting a new chapter.  Lexi is going to start kindergarten next year and then in another blink she will be in middle school, then high school, and THEN she will leave for college.  What??  Lexi leaving for college is only 3 more blinks away.

On another note and slightly more positive attitude, I am so proud of Lexi and the person she has become.  She can light up a room with her smile and wit, she has the heart of gold and understands things way beyond her years.  Lexi is spunky, strong willed, determined, creative, smart, talented, a leader, and compassionate.  I adore her.  She has my whole heart and I am so honored God chose me to be her mom.  I was given the greatest gift 5 years ago and I will never forget the moment I met the little girl who calls me "mom."  Alexi Preston, you will always be my baby girl.

all moved in!

This post is a tad bit late.  We finally moved into our new house!!  Before we moved in furniture we had the entire inside painted and new carpet installed in the bedrooms upstairs.  Once we moved our furniture in it felt like home.  We LOVE it here!  Our neighbors are friendly and our house is warm.  It is perfect and we couldn't be happier.  We are in love.  :)

bff's

These two girls are so sassy and I LOVE them!  Yesterday, Addie and Emmie's baby brother arrived.  I snapped this pic while we were waiting for the big gender surprise!  We love you already, sweet baby Grayson!

why do you love me?

Lexi hugged me this morning and said, "I love you so much."  I hugged her back and replied, "I love you so much too.  Why do you love me?"  Lexi said, "Because you buy me my favorite snacks, you take care of me, you melt my heart, because you love me, and because you help me organize."

welcome to dallas, fall

We. Love. Fall.

plano, tx

I've said it before, but Lexi L O V E S the singing show, "The Voice."  She is so musical.  She is always singing and/or dancing.  She can memorize a song just hearing it once.  She aspires to be on "The Voice."  She is already debating which coach to pick once all the chairs turn around.

This was our conversation in the car yesterday:

Lexi: "Mom, what city is our new house in?  I need to know for when I am older.  I need to know because on the singing show they ask, "where are you from?"  I need to be able to tell them the exact city and state that we live in."

Me: "Plano, Texas."

And officially today, "Walsh Party of Three" lives in Plano, TX.

Lexi calls it the "icing house" because she says it looks like icing on a cake.  Of ALL the houses we looked at (and there were a lot) Lexi's cartwheels were the absolute best in this backyard.  Home. Sweet. Home.  :)

thoughts

Lexi has a life size Barbie that she calls her sister.  It is sweet and fun, but it breaks my heart a little.  She doesn't have a real sister or brother who will always be by her side.  She won't experience the annoyance of a second born nor will she grow up to have him/her as her best friend.  Is she missing out as a child?  As an adult?  I don't think so.  Lexi has so many people who love and adore her...cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and of course, us.  I pray every single day that Lexi always knows how much I adore her.  I ask her all the time if she will still love me when she is a teenager and an adult.  Her answer is yes, but I am prayerful this will be true.  We are incredibly blessed to have Lexi.  She completes Jason and me.  She is our world and has our whole hearts.  

she. melts. me.

forever friends

Today we hung out with Emmie and Addie.  The girls will be friends forever...just like Michelle and me!  Michelle is getting ready for baby #3 (I think it's a boy) so Lexi and I helped wash some super cute itty bitty baby clothes.  I can't wait to snuggle baby H3!!

alex

Lexi has been asking to be called, "Alex" lately.  I don't know if it will stick, but I think it is SO cute!!  While I was student teaching I had an adorable soccer player student named Alex.  I love boy names for girls!!  Either nickname she chooses in the long run will be adorable and will fit her perfectly.  :)

dinner notes

'Tis the season of hockey.  Jason is working around the clock with his team to get ready for opening night.  We brought him a homemade dinner tonight and Lexi left him this note.  Sweet girl.

green beans

While at Sprouts today I spotted the prettiest fresh green beans.  The green beans reminded me of grocery shopping with my grandma and mom.  One time, when I was in Houston we drove to the smallest farmer's market I've ever seen in the pouring rain to get...fresh green beans.  Grandma loved fresh veggies.  Thank you, Grandma for teaching me to appreciate the deliciousness and beauty of fresh vegetables.  :)

the quiet before the storm

This is it...the last weekend before the crazy hockey season begins.  We are cherishing our time together as our little family before Jason starts the busy season.  It looks like it is going to rain any minute (love) and we are going to see friends later today.  Tomorrow we don't have any plans except watching football, hanging out, and watching the season finale of Breaking Bad (Lexi is not watching of course).  The storm is about to hit...let's go Stars!!

my little sweets on friday

milk + cookies

This morning Lexi asked me to tell her about the day she was born.  I have been thinking about her turning 5 for a few months now and I just can't believe she was born almost half a decade ago.  She is the jelly to my peanut butter, the cherry on my ice cream, and the cookies for my milk.  I love you sweet 4.5 (almost 5) year old! 

just because

Jason had a cake waiting for me the other day when I got home from work, 'just because.'

When we were dating I had the same cake delivered to his office. I wanted to show him I loved him, but I couldn't send flowers to his office so I sent a cake. Nine years later and we still show our love for each other 'just because.'

P.S.  Today is the day we became 'boyfriend and girlfriend' 9 years ago.  :)

fall

The summer heat is finally coming to an end and my favorite season here!  We enjoyed some much needed rain last night and today.  The fall candles are burning and we are looking forward to some new things this fall.  :)

a few of my favorite things...

In no particular order:

1.  When Lexi sleeps she puts her palms together and place her hands under her cheek.
2.  In the car seat she sits with her hands by her side and they are in tiny fists.  She has done this since she was a baby.
3.  She thinks I'm beautiful.
4.  She hides a diet coke for me in the bathroom while I get ready.  She says it is from the "Diet Coke Fairy."
5.  She still loves to snuggle.
6.  She stops in her tracks when I sing, "You are my sunshine."  I stop in mine when she sings it to me.

throwback thursday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SQP38R6_IE&feature=youtu.be

We are just  three months and three days away from Alexi's fifth birthday.  I'm feeling a bit nostalgic at this moment.  How did 5 years fly by so quickly?  What did Jason and I do to be so incredibly blessed with this child? 

wordless wednesday

grandma mike's visit

Grandma Mike was here from Friday afternoon until this morning (Monday).  We had a wonderful time with her!  On Friday we went to dinner at a delicious bar-b-q restaurant by our apartment and then went for frozen custard.  On Saturday, we had lunch at a German restaurant and they played a song Gigi used to dance to at family parties!  After lunch we shopped for Lexi's school uniforms.  Grandma Mike bought some of Lexi's things and also a matching uniform for Nine (more pictures to come)!  After uniform shopping Grandma Mike and I got some adult girl time and headed to the Frisco Mercantile.  Saturday night we had dinner at home, watched a movie and played.  On Sunday, we had brunch in downtown McKinney, looked at houses, and had Mexican food for dinner.  We ate a lot, laughed non-stop, Lexi and Grandma Mike played and danced a ton, and overall, we had a perfect visit.  We were sad to see Grandma Mike leave this morning, but we are so thankful she came to spend time with us!

love

Eep!  Oh how I love this girl.  She is quite the fashionista lately.  After this picture she added more bangles on each arm to complete her look.  :)

elizabeth mitchell

Elizabeth Mitchell has the sweetest voice while singing, "You are my Sunshine."  That song is on Lexi's playlist.  Every time it is played we stop what we are doing and dance or sing to each other.  Yesterday, as we drew near to Mimi and Paw Paw's (they had her spend the night) our song came on.  I reached my hand to the backseat and held Lexi's hand.  At the stop light I turned my head and we sang to each other.  Her eyes became teary and so did mine.  When we got to Mimi and Paw Paw's Lexi held on to me and snuggled with me on the couch.  She told me she didn't want me to go.  She LOVES being at Mimi and Paw Paw's, but I think she felt our connection and love like I do all the time, especially when that song comes on.  Every time I leave Lexi (for the night or even for a grocery store run) I feel a little piece of me missing.  She blesses my life, my heart, and my soul.



As we walked in the parking garage to our apartment after picking Lexi up, I started singing, "You are my Sunshine." Lexi smiled and said, "I sang that last night in bed. I started singing it to Nine and then I switched it to you because I love you so much and I missed you." She literally melts me.

He took a long time

Yesterday in gymnastics Lexi hurt her hamstring.  She came out to tell me and I massaged her leg for a couple of minutes.  I asked her if she felt well enough to continue and she did.  She went back on the floor and continued for the rest of the class, but she held her leg most of the time.

Today while we were in the car Lexi told me her leg felt better.  She said, "I prayed to God that He would make it feel better and He did!  He took a long time though!"

raindance

The other day we had a summer rain.  Lexi was looking out the window and said, "I wish I could play in the rain."  I said, "Ok, let's go."  "Really?!?" asked Lexi!  Her smile and excitement when I said "yes" made my heart smile.  It was such a simple thing to say yes to and it made her day!!

target

Yesterday we had to go to Target.  14 outfit changes and 30 minutes later and we were finally out the door.  :)

this is frisco

Last weekend we had a family dance/band playing Sunday.  Lexi of course, choreographed it all.  She had Jason on his guitar and she and I switched between dancing, playing her guitar, and taking turns on the piano.  She used her whistle that she bought with her own money a few days before to keep us in check.  She brought out her babies and stuffed animals for our audience.  While she was dancing and singing she would pass by the babies and give them high fives.  Sometime during the concert Jason did something that Lexi did not prefer.  Lexi stopped the music and told Jason what she wanted him to do differently.  Jason explained to her that she can't make up rules on "how to play."  We are different individuals and we all do things differently.  He also said, "This is America.  You are not a dictator."  Lexi listened and started the music again.  We all continued to play/dance/sing.  When the CD ended Lexi looked at Jason and said, "This is not America.  This is Frisco."

facebook dump

Today's status:
Lexi just said, "Kelly, I'm going to call you Nora today." Hmm...ok. I think I like "mom" better!

Yesterday:
 "I'm canceling my second and third concerts today. Concerts are tiring." -Lexi

July 16:
The first thing Lexi said when she woke up this morning, "I need to learn how to sing "hoedown throwdown."  When I am on the singing show (The Voice), that is what I want to sing and I have to get better at it."

a rainbow after the storm

I have mentioned before this blog is an elaborate extension of Lexi's baby book.  I always write about the blissful or funny times.  Today I choose otherwise...

Lexi and I went to Michelle's house this morning at 10 AM.  It is a beautiful July day (high of 75) so I stopped for a latte on the way.  We sang and laughed together on the way there.  Lexi and Addie played well together and Emmie was of course as sweet as could be.  Michelle and I chatted while the girls played outside.  It was incredibly awesome to get some adult convo in during the middle of a play date!

Sounds perfect, right?

Not so much.  Lexi threw one of her biggest fits ever.  She didn't want to leave before lunch like I had planned, nor did she want to leave after we ended up having a great lunch on the patio.  Lexi screamed.  She cried. She didn't listen or obey.  She used an angry voice and tested my patience.

We didn't talk much on the way home.  She asked for the music to be turned up and I said, "no."  Once we got home she was sent straight to her room for "quiet time."  She has been in her room for 30 minutes now.  I am enjoying the peace and quiet on the couch, but honesty, I am missing her.  I am praying she is getting some rest to turn her attitude around.

I am writing this because I know Lexi will read this one day and I want her to know that no matter what, I will always love her.  I will always look forward to seeing a rainbow after the storm.  My love is unconditional.  Life is challenging and not always perfect, but my heart is full because of her and I will continue to pray for patience for myself.  There is a rainbow forming now...I can see it and I can't wait until "quiet time" is over.  I'm ready to "restart" this day with a hug.  I think she needs it as much as I do. 

lil' photographer

Last night Jason and I were reminiscing about our trip to Cali.  We fell over laughing about this story...

On the walk back to our hotel after Disneyland, Lexi randomly asked if she could take Jason's picture with my camera.  I said "ok" while Jason didn't even hear our conversation.  As we approached the hotel, Lexi found a tree she wanted Jason to pose with.  A few yards away, two men in suits were filming a commercial.  They stopped and waited, well watched, Jason pose for a picture.  Lexi was very specific.  She requested he cross his right foot over his left and hug the tree.  Needless to say, Jason is one great sport!

arms for holding

Last week Lexi came out of her room while Jason and I were watching TV on the couch.  With a sad face she whispered, "When I am in Heaven can I do anything I want?"  I replied, "Yes, of course."  Lexi asked, "So I can hug and kiss you whenever I want?"  My heart sank and my eyes filled with tears.  I walked her back to her room and she asked, "Is Gigi an angel?"  I said, "I think so."  She then asked if she will be an angel too.  I told her I thought she will be as well.  Lexi replied, "I don't want to be an angel because angels have wings and I can hug you tighter with arms."  We sat on her bed and talked for a long time about Heaven, angels, prayer, and God.  We squeezed tightly and I scooped her up and brought her into our bed.  I am always in awe of Lexi's passion about God and Heaven at such a young age.  She is my little angel.

38

Happy birthday to the very best husband and dad on this planet!! Lexi and I surprised Jason with a new guitar and some accessories. We spoiled him with dinner and cupcakes from Central Market and a special jam session. We love you, babe!!

spa girls

Lately I have been waking up in the middle of the night or super early in the mornings and have been unable to go back to sleep.  I decided to go into a spa to see what they offer such as teas, eye masks, etc.  I talked to a massage therapist and she offered me and Lexi some time in the relaxation room.  She made me tea and gave Lexi some water.  We each had our own recliner, eye mask, lavender heated blankets and neck wraps.  Lexi stayed in her chair with her feet up and eye mask on.  Sadly, I don't have a picture of that, but I was lying there thinking about what a big kid she has turned into.  I remember walking into stores praying that she would behave, be quiet, listen, etc.  When we got home she said I should heat up my new neck wrap because she knew how tired I was.  So, we heated up the wrap and took turns using it.  Today, I bought some fresh lavender and put it on my bedside table.  Lexi took one piece of lavender and placed it on her bedside table.  She told me how she is going to sleep like a baby now because of it.  As I type this I am drinking my tea and using my neck wrap.  Lexi is soundly sleeping in her room and Jason is playing hockey.  I think it's time to scoop up my little lady and grab some zzz's together.

father's day

This was my 20th Father's Day without my dad.  I miss him every single day and every Father's Day is a little rough.  I am blessed with a wonderful mother who has played both roles for 20 years, Uncle Jack who walked me down the aisle 8 years ago, Kevin who has loved me as his own from day one and who is the absolute best Paw Paw, Chip and Jeff who are terrific dads for our nephews, and of course, Jason...the man God hand picked to be Alexi's hero. 

On Saturday night Mimi and Paw Paw had Lexi spend the night and Jason and I enjoyed a night out.  On Sunday afternoon we went to Mimi and Paw Paw's with Aunt Sarah, Uncle Daniel, and Aunt Kristi for some laughs, bar-b-q, gifts, and swimming.

Jason asked for a boy Barbie this year for Father's Day.  Lexi was excited to pick out the Ken doll who looked the most like him.  :)  We also got him golf lessons, a golf shirt (bright pink...Lexi picked it out), golf shorts, and flip flops.  Jason is the most thoughtful/caring/Barbie playing/piggy back giver/provider/boo boo kissing dad a girl could ask for.  Alexi Preston, you are one lucky lady.  Your dad rocks and I am beyond honored to call him my husband.

vacation part two

The night before we left the Disney Fairies left a bag of surprises on our casita patio.  Lexi found the bag while having her breakfast on the patio Sunday morning.  Inside the bag the fairies left a light up Minnie Mouse, a fairy puzzle, luggage tags, and tickets to DISNEYLAND!!!  Lexi was beyond excited and could not wait to get to DL to meet all the princesses, Mickey, Minnie and the gang!

We arrived at DL, checked into our hotel and headed straight to downtown Disney for lunch.  After a quick lunch we went to Disneyland.  Our first ride was Dumbo and then we headed to Toontown.  Lexi was really excited to meet Minnie and Mickey and walk through their houses!  That night we had tickets to Fantasmic and the fireworks show.  We all really liked the shows!!  The next day we ate at Ariel's Grotto and met many princesses who came to our table.  Lexi LOVED meeting all the characters.  She absolutely adores Goofy so we made sure to hunt him down to get his autograph!  Lexi's autograph book is filled and she also asked me and Jason to sign her book!!!  We also enjoyed the Farris Wheel and the Cars ride! 

We had an absolute fantastic time together on this trip.  We left with some family inside jokes, "monkey suit" and some new nicknames, "Kelly 1," "Kelly 2," and "Daddy 5."