little ladies

"Although I'm not their mother

I care for them each day,
I cuddle, sing and read to them
And watch them as they play.

I see each new accomplishment,
I help them grow and learn.
I understand their language,
I listen with concern.

They come to me for comfort,
And I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
I give the loudest cheers!

I laugh when they do funny things,

And I smile from ear to ear.

I remember them when on my knees,

and know that God will hear.

No, I 'm not their mother,
But my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe,
Though maybe not for long.

I know someday the time will come,
When we will have to part.
But I know each of them will always be,
forever in my heart!"

~ Author unknown

Growing up brings more responsibility,

and lots of change.

 Because of that,

today was my last day with the little ladies. 

It's hard to think about.

I'm so grateful they've all allowed me to be a part of their life

for the last two years.

I still remember the first day I started like it was yesterday.
Jacob had just left on his mission the day before.

Malia and Summer were getting ready for school,
I walked in and got right down on the floor,
and played play-doh with 1 year old Taya,
and 4 year old Ember.

I fell in love with them instantly!

Even though I know it's not the end,

 it will be hard not to see them every day.
I will miss their cute smiles!

This job has been such a blessing in my life.

It seems wrong to even call it a job.

This family came into my life right when I needed them.

Sounds cliche, but it's true.

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love them.

But now I must grow up. 

Although I don't entirely want to,

It's what we need to do.

I'll see you soon,

 my little ladies!

Always remember...

you are very, very, loved.

xoxo 

-O

"You is smart, you is kind, you is important."

Our First Humble Abode

THE KITCHEN

our fish and frog. no the tank is not THAT dirty. it's the counter behind it that makes it that color through the lens.

window sill decorations

I'm going to miss having this shelf, I may have to put one up in our next kitchen. I have loved it.

THE FAMILY ROOM

disregard the valentines decorations that are still up.

our 10 dollar rocking chair, awesome pillow we got from a sister in my ward, and the BEAUTIFUL afghan my Granny MADE for us!

I'm also going to miss having a mantel to decorate. 

and our red couch...

I made this try, and the chevron pillows (pictured above) to add a little more color.

THE BATHROOM

i love love LOVE our shower curtain!

THE BEDROOM

the mirror was my grandmother's.

gotta find a place for all those reception pictures somewhere! have you spotted them all? There were also 4 un-pictured.

I love decorating and cannot wait to decorate our new apartment. There will definitely be some things that I will miss about how I decorated it here, but considering we will be living there a LOT longer than we have been living here, I'm going to find plenty to do!

xoxo

-O