tales from a far-land

Four years ago today, Madilyn Rae Landers entered this world.  She is even more amazing, beautiful, witty, bright, kind and precocious than we could have ever imagined.  We cannot wait to see what dreams and goals this world has for our BIG, little girl.  We have no doubt that she will fulfill any desire she sets and any dream she can imagine. Happy Birthday, our Little Princess!   Keep wishing upon the stars and all of your dreams will come true! At Birth 1st Birthday 2nd Birthday 3rd Birthday 4th Birthday 

Over fifteen years ago, I welcomed an adorable, spunky ball of fluff into my life.  Based upon her fluffy demeanor, I, without doubt, named her Teddie Bear.  She was my first puppy ever.  I had dogs growing up, but Teddie was my first "baby".  However, from day one, she had several "Mommies".  I recall getting her in October of 1998, the fall after I graduated college.  I was just about to purchase my first house/condo and I was working at UnitedHealthCare.  Due to my long working days, my mom helped dog-sit Teddie during the day she wouldn't be all by herself for more than ten hours a day.  It was a perfect arrangement.  Teddie played with the other family dogs, snuggled with my mom and in return, my puppy was instantly potty trained.  A couple of months later, a new puppy (Pooh Bear) came to live at our house.  By then Teddie was the matriarch of the house.  She taught Pooh the ropes....

The kids had an enjoyable and "sweet" Valentine's Day.  Preschool celebrated the holiday with a party in each of the kids' rooms.  The kids were tasked with bringing in Valentines for each of their friends in the classroom.  While the parents made sure that there were enough sweets and snacks for the kids to enjoy during the party.  Aiden, particularly, enjoyed eating and wearing all of the tasty food. The cupcakes were his favorite!   The kids' holiday wear ... Aiden eating a cupcake  Madi and Aiden enjoying the party Aiden with his "other" family, the Stocketts