SAY CHEESE!!!!

 Happy St. Patty's Day....late! Mallory received FROZEN in the mail today and this was her first impression!

 And this is her expression when she sees me taking her picture now and when I say "Cheese"....this is what we get....EVERY TIME!

 Many positions for Frozen! She loves Olaf the best. She will just giggle at him.

 Another position....

And yet another...snuggling with cousin Cassie! I couldn't count how many times I have seen this movie now...but I don't mind. It's so cute!

 Mallory has decided to do chores...all on her own. Dishes....EVERY DAY! She would play in the sink all day if I let her. She loves it.

And then on to laundry! Mommy hopes this continues into her teens....BAAAHAA!! Never gonna happen...

 Took Mallory to the library. She gets overly excited and overwhelmed with all the books but overall she does great. If you look closely....she has all princess books around her.

 Cheese!!! Mallory playing at the library.

 Mommy/Daddy bowling date night. Although I lost BIG TIME on the first two games...I came back and dominated the third!

 Took Mallory "out on the town" for pooping in the potty. At the antique store (perfect place for a child). And this is what she found....

 One Eyed Willy...this is her cheese face while visiting baby chicks.

She loved them. She said, "Me want one." Um, NO!!!

The employee got some out for her to pet. At first, she was a little timid but she quickly warmed up. Unfortunately, daddy also wants baby chicks...to live on our property....never going to happen!

 Our child bypasses the toy aisle and goes straight for the shoe aisle. She kept saying, "Hold on, mommy. Two more minutes." Oh are we in trouble!

We are planning a Disney trip to Florida this fall to visit Grandma & all the Florida families. Mick's parents got us all Disney shirts. This is mine but apparently Mallory likes it. This was her expression when I said, "Mallory are you ready to see Mickey & Rella?" Think she's ready?

Busy Yet Fun Week!!!

 Oh Sunny Days....Mallory loved being able to get outside and swing!

 One cool chick!

 Loved the 70 degree days....and then BAMM! COLD AGAIN! Spring can you please come....and stay!!

 Mallory laughing hysterically at her mommy.

 We were at great grandma Nona's & Grandma Iya's for a visit. I would put the dice cup on my head and let it fall off. Mallory thought this was hilarious. So here she is doing it herself.

 Mommy...you funny!

 She would cover her mouth when she thought she was laughing too loud. So cute!

Here is she playing Pocka Rosie(Ring Around the Rosie) with Grandma Iya & Elmo!

 I got to go to the Unity High School State game with my momma! Nothing better than watching high school boys basketball and eating at Hooter's with your momma!

 Mooseheart vs Mendon Unity....could not be anymore proud of where I graduated and the community I grew up in.

Even though the scoreboard said they lost....they didn't. So proud of how they played against a tough team. Regardless of the controversy they just sucked it up and played....and played GREAT!!!

 And of course...mom & I got sat right in the middle of the high school student body section....AND LOVED IT!!! It was a great spot to sit and really made the atmosphere even more spirited...although you couldn't tell from this picture....they really were a lively bunch! ;)

 I attended Hearts At Home Conference this past weekend with Dana. Since Dana thought we should leave at 5:30AM...this was a must....coffee & sunrise....nothing better....well maybe sleep....

 Love this girl. And love the conference. Its a faith based conference on being a better mommy and wifey. I love being in a room with 4,000 other moms and feeling the power of prayer and GOD! Goose bump moments!

 We spoiled Mallory in Springfield today. This is her on the Ferris Wheel at Scheel's! And this is her face when you tell her to say cheese....

 She loved it! She would put her arms up in the air and say "WEE!!!"

 Daddy on the other hand...did not like it so much. He is not a fan of heights or rides but he rode it for his daughter....and will never do so again. This will be our only picture of my husband on a ferris wheel! lol!

 Big Fish, Little Fish

 Look mom, a BIG fish!

 Checking this thing out. She was terrified of the big bear. She thought she was interested and then when she got closer, she said....Scary mommy. Too big!

 Big girl trying to ride "her" bike. I think she may have done it if it wasn't mounted to the floor. Really is she big enough to ride a bike?!?!

 Checking herself out in the mirror. She just sat there and said, "me like." I think she had many people laughing at her in the mall. So she not only did this but she also found herself a cute little umbrella that she kept running around with. Then she found flip flops and managed to take her shoe off to try them on and was walking around with one shoe on and one off, one pants leg rolled up and one down. And still cute...

And OUT....shopping was exhausting!!

Mad Respect To The Mustangs!

I have always known that I came from a great community and a great school but the past few weeks have really hammered home that notion. The Unity High School boys basketball team is on a roll. They have advanced to the State Tournament for the first time in school history and I had the privilege  of watching them in action in Jacksonville last night. Let me tell you...I have watched numerous boys and girls basketball games in my life and this team...there is just something different about them which I think is a HUGE part of their success. There is usually the "go to" guy, you typically have the "ball hog", usually there is the "temper problem child", then the "I'm too scared to shoot, dribble or move" type of kid....this team had none of that. They seriously played as a team with the most class and dignity I have ever witnessed in any sport. I know that talent has a lot to do with a team's success but I truly believe by only watching them play one time...that this team has something much more than just talent. They were so respectful to not only the other players, the refs, their coaches but to each other. I know none of them personally or at all for that matter but if I were any of these kids parents or coaches I would be SOOO proud. Of course for the obvious reason of making to the state tournament for the first time in school history....but MUCH more proud of how they handle themselves. The way they talk about each other in interviews and taking the time after the games for the fans...especially the little ones....that is something to be proud of. They are truly a TEAM. I hope they realize what an impact they have had on not only the young kids looking up to their "idols" but for Unity fans of all ages. It is truly special what is happening in Mendon, Illinois. I loved seeing such a big gym packed full of so many fans...UNITY FANS!!! I loved hearing the roar of the crowd that was so loud that you couldn't hear the announcer speak. I loved seeing some of the same faces that cheered my class on in sports. I loved seeing my old teachers and coaches with the same love and enthusiasm they showed me and my classmates years ago. I loved seeing the student body section FULL of kids cheering (positively) for their favorite team. I loved how when the JHS Drum Line performed and the kids were dancing and clapping and encouraging them...even though it wasn't their school. The Drum Line finished and Unity clapped and stood for them. That is true SPIRIT. That is teaching kids respect. It's been a long time since I've been to a high school basketball game and I can tell you that I was IMPRESSED!!! Prime example of how much these little kids are paying attention and looking up to everyone...not just the players. My nephew sitting next to me was SOOO excited. Fist pumping, yelling, cheering...very excited for the Mustangs and all he knows is that is where is Aunt & Mommy went to school. He asked why the other team was cheering for the Mustangs during warm up when they missed a shot. How do you explain to a Kindergartener about poor sportsmanship? Well, I will tell you how...you show them the Unity student body being respectful and polite. You show them how happy they were for their team but yet still clapping for the losing team. You let him go onto the floor and let him experience the thrill. You lead him up to a player who takes the time out of his own once in a lifetime celebration to high five your nephew even though he has no clue who either of us are....That my friends....is sportsmanship. That is UNITY. That is what being a MUSTANG is all about.

Regardless, if they win or loose this weekend...they have already made the community proud and has restored my faith in the younger generation. Parents, coaches, players, cheerleaders, teachers.....you should all be very proud and I was thoroughly impressed last night. I could not have been more proud of where I came from.

Once A Mustang, Always A Mustang!

 Lane says, "It's loud in here!!!"

 Grant SUPER pumped about the game!

 VICTORY!!!

 It's a great day to be a Mustang!!

 Look how excited he is! It's great to see him get so into it!

Unity Alum and her handsome offspring!

 Aunt Bic & Grant celebrating the win!

I think my shirt is considered "vintage". Probably should invest in a newer shirt.

Hodge Podge

This is just a hodge podge of pictures from the last week. We were lucky enough to not only have a visit from Grandma Iya & Papa Dane from Florida but we were also blessed with a 60 degree day outside. Yes, we went outside....for more than two minutes....without snow on the ground.... It felt so good to get some fresh air.

 We played house outside today....We were all saying "Cheese"

 Mallory swinging and watching the airplanes fly by.

 Mallory driving her gator for the first time outside. Think she likes it?

She actually drove it quite well...I think she will have the driving & turning down in no time.

 And so it begins...her driving away and leaving her parents waving good-bye...(tear)

 Daddy & Mallory watching the clouds...so cute!

 And then she found the moon!

 This Mallory snuggling with mommy when we got back from the concert...I think she missed us!

 Mallory being goofy in the hallway at daycare.

 She's growing so fast! Still my cutie pie!

 My friend Lori let me borrow some "silly" hats for Dr. Suess day at daycare. Apparently Mallory loved it!

 Couldn't get a great picture but her teacher's said she did not want to take it off. She did take it off for lunch only because they told her she may get food on it. Thanks Lori!

 Grandma Iya is here for a visit bearing gifts from Aunt Missy & gang!

 PRINCESS COAT!

 This is a very special jacket as it use to be Mallory's big cousin Selby's jacket when she was a little girl. She passed it on for Mallory to wear and she could not be any more excited about it. Every time we put it on Mallory will say, "Selby's"

 Mallory playing princess with daddy. She is the princes with her cape and waving and she is riding on her white horse. Oh the things we do for our kids.

Iya giving Mallory a hair-do. She gave her a bubble bath and did her hair!!!

She sure gets spoiled and loves her Iya!!!