OUR STELLA

I keep putting off sharing Stella's photoshoot for our 2013 Christmas card because with so many cute pictures, I just kept thinking that I didn't know where to start.

This year I decided I really didn't want to do family pictures again, and Stella was really hankering for her own solo shoot since I didn't do a birthday shoot this year. I knew right where to take her. I wanted a blue background to make her eyes pop. She pretty much picked out her outfit and all of the poses (except for some minor directions about where to stand) are 100% Stella. She was so fun at the shoot. I love my little model so much it frightens me sometimes.

Here are a lot of them, and they are still only a small portion of my favorites.

FLORIDA TIMES

Stella had a few days off last week and I wasn't really planning on going anywhere until I knew that my parents were going to be in Florida. Dad was working on some properties and Mom was heading to her condo so it just seemed like a good idea to spend some time away from this cold. Stella was delighted when we got there and so was I. I was really enjoying the sun, and I can't believe it has been since April that we were there last. There were even some questionable things growing on some of the food that I bought the last time I was there...time goes by so fast that my mom hadn't realized the food had been in there for almost a year!

When we arrived in Orlando we went shopping that evening and then drove to the condo. The rest of the time we really just hung out and enjoyed the sun. Me and Stella would sit out on the back porch reading and hanging out. Unfortunately, both Mom and I got sick while we were there. I am not certain we had the same thing but I threw up a very expensive dinner and it knocked me out of commission for a couple of days.

Poor Dad, it was his birthday too and we were all too out of it to really celebrate. Thankfully, Stella did not get sick and she was able to entertain Papa (or Pops, as she started calling him on this trip) for us.

Stella loved wearing and swimming in her adorable new suit. We bought it at the Gap the day before we left and it is the FIRST clothing item that I have paid full price for in like well...ever! It was too adorable and she needed one so I went ahead and broke all my retail rules and bought it. It was worth it because we both think it is too cute, and well...she is obviously going to wear it more than a lot of the things I buy her.

 Where is Stella? I got a kick out of her jammies blending in with the sheets:

Anyway, we loved our little visit especially when I found my favorite cereal Alpha Bits at the store! Plus, I just love the Florida condo...giant metal man-eating fish and all.

ANOTHER YEAR HAS GONE BY

It is a New Year again, and we Sallays are pretty much kickin' it like we were last year. We have had such a busy and full 2013. We have been though a few hard times this year and our love for each other has grown as we've stayed close together. I don't know if I could even tell you how many times Stella has told me how much she loves us, her parents. She will just out of the blue say "Mom, I love you so much!" and then give me a hug. (Never kisses though...she hates those even more this year!) 

I wonder sometimes how much of our lives is just plain luck. I don't believe that much of it is. However, if there is some luck involved, I am so lucky to have Brent and Stella in my little house each day. We make a good team. Sometimes it scares me to think of what the future could bring, but if I have these two by my side we will be alright. 

Last New Year's, we did some sparklers and took pictures. I loved them so I wanted to do it again this year. I plan on doing it every year if we can.

Happy New Year.