The only hitch at this wedding was the intended one! Melissa Robinson is now Melissa Dennis - the new bride of my brother, Chad Dennis, and my new sister-in-law!!!! Welcome to the Family, Melissa and your family! :) An absolutely delightful time was had by all - the rehearsal went smoothly thanks to St. James' sweet Ms. Anne whose gentle voice sweetly shushed the expected antics of the groomsmen (we bridesmaids already knew what to do - stand, smile, look pretty!), the rehearsal dinner was PACKED and the food was yummy!! And Praise the Lord, the slide show video went perfectly. Man, I was so relieved about that! The bridesmaids bonded, the bachelorette/lingerie party was lavish and Melissa is sure to look luscious in her new lovelies...the groomsmen were all great, my houseguests were precious women that I enjoyed getting to know, the wedding drew a RECORD attendance - filling even the balcony - the reception was packed and great fun, and Chad and Melissa are, in fact, married. Pictures to follow later!

Brooklyn is now walking. Yesterday, she realized that she could do it, and today, it's all she's done.
I am the mother of a toddler!

My night took a bizarre twist last night as I drove down Snake Hill at 11pm. I was returning from a celebration of Mr. Sam's 64th birthday party at my parent's house, which led to a video-strategizing session with my dad for the upcoming rehearsal dinner. As my headlights illuminated the last turn on the road, I caught a glimpse of something pink and small. Driving by, I realized I had seen a little black girl clutching a purse and something white. It took a second for my mind to decipher what my eyes had just seen: there was no mother, no older person, just this little girl all by herself in the middle of the night, on a school night, no less.

My car followed the familiar course home, but my mind couldn't leave behind what it had just seen. A voice in my head said, "Go Back." I argued...it's so late, Brooklyn's sleepy, Kyle's finally home from work, I'm tired, I'm sure there's a logical explanation. Yeah right. I turned onto Goshen, pulled into the first driveway I saw, and turned around to retrace my steps. She might not be there, I thought. She could have made it to where she was going.

As my car wove back up Snake Hill, I once again saw her slight frame trudging up the steep incline, in the middle of the opposite lane. I slowed down, rolled down my window and called out to her - Sweetie, it's late - are you ok? Can I offer you a ride somewhere?

In this crazy world, where a little girl should never speak to strangers, much less wander the streets by herself in the middle of the night, no matter how nice the neighborhood, this little black child eagerly accepted my invitation and climbed into my passenger seat. "Cute baby", she said as she peered into the backseat. Brooklyn, my darling girl, immediately grinned and squealed her delight at our newcomer's presence. The taut face of this child was transformed by the smile that crept over it. The volume of Brooklyn's squeals startled the little girl, but I reassured her that meant B liked her.

I quickly deduced that my little stray had no destination. I couldn't get a straight answer out of her except that she was 11 years old and her name was LaSonya. She claimed to be heading to her grandmother's house, which was clearly a lie as she pointed to three consecutive houses that were supposed to house this grandmother of hers. She carried with her a small blue purse filled with dolls and a little change and a clear plastic cup which housed a caterpillar/chrysallis. She proudly informed me that she was taking good care of the caterpillar so it would turn into a butterfly.

I finally pulled the car to the curb after discreetly locking the doors so she wouldn't jump out and run off back into the night. Listen, sweetie, I said, I want you to know you're safe with me. But we need to figure out what to do with you - you clearly don't have a plan for where you're going, and you won't tell me where you live, so is it ok if I take you back to my house so we can figure this out? She accepted, and I pulled back on the road and eventually back into my driveway. As I turned off the car, I prayed for wisdom and for this girl's safety. Kyle opened the front door, almost at the same time that I announced I had a stowaway. He was speechless as this leggy 11 year old unfolded herself from the car and immediatly knelt down to pet Luna, our cat.

We quietly conferred as we led her into our house. Call the police? See if anyone's reported her missing? Worse, what if they haven't? She had told me that her mother had kicked her out of the house and they were fighting. She had also told me some other whoppers, so what was truth? I was more than willing to give her a safe place to stay for the night, but what does one do in this situation? She's only 11!

I asked her if she was hungry, and she clearly was excited by the prospect of food. I made her a thick pbj sandwich, piled pretzels and grapes onto her plate and watched her guzzle down 3 tall glasses of milk as she devoured the food, her long fingers gingerly avoiding the messy jelly.

She carried with her a sketchbook, the pages filled with drawings of a kitty - a progressive story about a cat that gets pregnant and doesn't know what to do. Kyle, the artist and gentle, wonderful man, admired her work and she beamed.

The police arrived to chat with our little runaway, about 10 minutes after we called them. They were able to get a name of a parent with which they were able to determine an address and send a patrol car to check it out. An hour after LaSonya entered my life, she was escorted back home - several MILES from where I had picked her up - and my role in the story ends.

However, my heart hasn't stopped hurting for this little girl who clearly was lost - emotionally, spiritually, physically. Was her home a safe place to return to? The officer indicated that DHS would get involved if it wasn't. I also gave him my number to please call if we could help somehow. I doubt her bed was as comfortable as the one I was hoping to let her stay in. And where is she today? In school? Skipping? Somewhere out there, today, is a little girl whose existence I was unaware of this time yesterday.

I am not unaware of the irony that my little LaSonya will probably not receive the care and attention she deserves to blossom into a young woman - yet she has taken such care with a tiny caterpillar. Father God, wherever she is, guard her and protect her - for I know you love her more than anyone else can.

There were several moments today when I wished I could freeze time, grab the moment from space, and store it in a photo album like Harry Potters' - where you see a moving scene, rather than a photo still. Although, to fully appreciate the moments, you'd need to capture the sense of smell associated with them, too.

1) Brooklyn walking across the room by herself - tottery steps, chubby little arms waving about for balance, chubby little legs striding purposefully in their wide-legged, zombie-esque stance, moving a little too quickly, as though she knows if she doesn't get to her destination really quickly, she's likely to lose her balance and end up on her botttom!

2) Looking down from my 5'6 3/4" height into the laughing brown eyes of my 29" daughter whose head is peering up at me from between my knees as I prepare dinner. Hearing her little baby voice say "hey!" to grab my attention. Having no choice but to reach down and swing her up into my arms - messy hands and all - to give her the squeeze and kisses she wants.

3) Pulling my freshly baked Caramelized Leek & Celery Tart from the oven, inhaling the scent of baking pastry crust, a hint of mustard and a warm smell of yumminess - 100% made from scratch to fill the hungry bellies of my beloved husband and baby girl. I really love to cook, and even more so when I know it's for my two favorite people! And yes, Brooklyn loved the tart!

4) Watching Brooklyn squeal with delight at the sight of her beloved Bailey (our golden retriever)! Observing quietly as Bailey flops down on our cool hardwood floors and not even raising her furry head when Brooklyn wedges her little body up against Bailey's tummy and hind legs, tucking herself in to her doggie so she can pat Bailey and read her book at the same time.

Brooklyn takes pieces off the dollhouse and checks them out...Daddy and B observe the amazing feat of engineering - it was captivating!

Finally, Charla helps Kennedy blow out her birthday candle on her super-cool castle cake! We had fun at the party, Kennedy! Happy Birthday!

Kennedy's birthday party was at the WonderPlace which was truly wonderful! Tons of different rooms with different age appropriate activities - a hit with all the kids and parents!

Brooklyn and I walk together to see what there is to see. We stumbled upon the RiverMarket - a small scale replica of the real thing with baskets of fruit and veggies and meat...Brooklyn loved it! She also loved checking out the water station with all kinds of gadgets.

Bailey & Darby cuddle close for their afternoon siesta. They do this quite often and it warms my heart!

And Brooklyn holds Lambie close as she helps Daddy fold laundry.

Brooklyn demonstrates her ability to walk to Daddy in this little clip.

Brooklyn has perfected a unique knee scoot that she prefers to walking, most of the time. Here is a little shot of her demonstrating her scoot-skills as well as her astute hearing and curious nature. Ah, and finally, her great love for her Daddy.

This past weekend has been full of life's little munchies. You know, those things that are the substance of your days... For starters, we are dog-sitting Sophie, our favorite toy fox terrier. She is better than any doorbell, let me tell you. In an attempt to let her out of the house early Saturday morning, while balancing three dogfood bowls and trying to herd the cat and dogs outside, he moved funny and his neck went all wonky. Still attached, but definitely causing him some major pain. For anyone who's ever had a STAGE FIVE "crick" in your neck, you know it changes everything. The world seems darker...your body seems to have a mind of its own...you live in a half-fog...you turn your whole body instead of just your head...and it just plain is annoying! Well, poor Kyle. It seems that his wonky neck tripped some fuses in his brain, momentarily. He has sort of been stumbling around everywhere, and accidentally was the cause of Brooklyn crashing her face onto our hardwood floor (busted lip number one), he forgot to shut the door to our basement last night which meant that our dogs got out and were free to take off and roam the neighborhood and he undercooked our cinnamon rolls this am and forgot to pre-spray with Pam. But, he got so many brownie points for thinking of the cinnamon rolls, that I think all else is moot. How I love my husband!!!

The escaping dog part of the story is where Sophie had her moment of glory. Kyle and I were playing with Brooklyn on our bed, reading her books, when Sophie yapped once, sharply. She usually does this when there is something going on. At first, we ignored her, then she did it again. Kyle trotted downstairs to investigate. After moments of silence, I heard him calling for Bailey and Darby outside. Puzzled, yet still not alarmed, I grabbed B, pulled on some non-pj clothes and headed after him. Turns out, Sophie was letting us know about our escapees! And not a moment too soon, because they were OFF and down the street. Some kindly neighbors pointed Kyle in the right direction and he took off in the car, hoping to entice them to jump in, should he find them. Well, they hadn't made it too far, and he grabbed them - but it was a close call. I should say that anytime our furry monsters get loose, it's scary because they are not like our beloved Riley who sticks around - they are Lewis and Clark, off to map the unexplored world!

Then, this morning, Kyle was serving as an obstacle in B's way and she climbed over only to lose her balance and plant her face once more into our hardwood floor- re-injuring her original busted lip. She's going for the "bee-stung" look.

As to horse farms, we attended a lavish country supper last night for Chad and Melissa who are getting married in T-minus 6 days!! The food was amazing, and this place was to die for. Huge pond, gently rolling hills dotted with quarter horses, a sprawling house with more persian rugs than I have ever seen in one place. Very tastefully, but also lavishly decorated. Thanks Ross and Lollie!!! So much fun!

AND, this morning, I will have you know that I weed-eated..weed-ate?...my backyard. This is no small feat as I haven't picked up a weed-eater since I was about 15. Plus my backyard is approximately 1 acre... Like riding a bike, the skills came back to me. I scoured those weeds, fought back the ivy from my roses and rock borders and proudly have the shakiest forearms and biceps you've ever seen. My typing is super-shaky right now. It's been awhile since I had the pleasure of being coated with grass particles head to toe. I forgot how much fun that could be! I love the smell of freshly cut grass!!!!

What are weekends for?

We three Floyds want to give a resounding "PRAISE THE LORD" for the good work He allowed to be done on our dear friend, baby Eva in far away Hawaii. (Although, with the internet, it seems much closer these days).

We are so glad she came through her major surgery with flying colors and is back to her vivacious self! Anne and Paul, I know you are both super relieved that this hurdle is past - and we tip our hats to you at the depth of faith and trust you both displayed under such grueling circumstances. Heart surgery on your precious infant would make the strongest people tremble. But, as we have learned, "they that wait upon the Lord, He will renew their strength." And I know He has done that in your lives.

Can't wait to get you back on the mainland so we can give you some long-awaited HUGS!

I read today that Brooklyn's best friend, Lily, is apparently RUNNING! This is exciting and yet, sad news, as this means that Lily is growing up (a good thing) and now able to get into everything and then run with it (a bad thing)!

Brooklyn, I have noticed in the last two days, is fully capable of walking around at her leisure, but chooses ONLY to do it when my back is turned. How bizarre is this? When Kyle got home from work yesterday, he was changing clothes in Brooklyn's future bedroom (Guest bedroom #2), and the little stinker walked from window to the door - about 16 steps. However, the minute he called me in there to observe this monumental feat, she dropped to her knees and started scooching. So, I am left to deduce that with me around, she prefers the speed of her knees...since she can't wait to be where I am....or she wants to wait and show off her skills to me when they are fully developed? Hard to say. I'm really not in any hurry for her to take off walking. She's fast enough as it is!

She grabbed my cell phone - which is her CONSTANT quest these days - flipped it open and was in the middle of downloading who-knows-what-ringtone (at who knows what charge) before I could get out a word! She saw me coming after her, squealed at the prospect of a good chase, and zipped away on her speedy knees! I actually had to chase her around the corner before I could grab my phone away from her little fingers! She is nimble, that one! And her fingers are quick! Who knows what she's capable of doing to my phone! She ruined my last phone by munching on and drooling on it (no I do not LET her do this - see previous comments about her speed). I didn't think I'd have to worry about her racking up cell phone charges until she was much older. Little did I know. They learn quick. We've gone beyond water damage to surfing the net and purchasing ring tones. Oh, she's also managed to erase several unheard voicemails. Sorry, everyone, if they were from you!

Easter was remarkably cold this year - but Brooklyn was GOING to wear her super special Easter outfit from Sarah and Lily! She wore a white little cardie over it - but her spots shone through!


She has definitely changed over the last few weeks - her hair is blonder, her face is more little girl and less baby, and she's becoming much more mobile. She is slowly walking more - little bits at a time and she prefers to do it when our backs are turned, but it's happening! She's officially becoming a toddler. Happy Easter, everyone!

How pathetic is it that I can't get these silly things turned right side up! Please humor me by turning your head slightly...or lying on your side...and viewing these pictures of my sister, Rachel, and her date, Ben! They were fortunate enough to time their prom when my wysteria was blooming - cause it seemed to last exactly a week and Rachel specifically requested they be in bloom for her pictures!

Also, notice Rachel's super cool do? Well, if you can believe it - I did that! It had to be divine inspiration because "doing hair" has never been my specialty! I was calling on some seriously deeeeply buried creative juices. I liked the effect, though!

Brooklyn experienced for the first time, the sensation of sand trickling through your fingers. It's amazing to relive all of life's little experiences through the eyes of your child. It's one of God's gifts to you as a parent.
Brooklyn looked so precious with her little pink hat and pink sandles. She had so much fun finding shells and showing them to us - right before she made a beeline with them to her little mouth.

The many coconut trees outside our retreat provided quite the challenge to Josh, Kyle and our friendly neighbors. Who would have thought it could be so difficult to get to the tiny little coconut part? They're like hairy vaults that must be cracked only with a long afternoon and MUCH persistence. And once there, what do you do with it? Thank goodness for pre-shredded bags of coconut! I actually took a coconut home with me to do...I don't really know. And ended up throwing it out after a few weeks of it just sitting there purposeless. Sorry, Josh!

While Lily dug into her cake, Sam was a bit more reserved with his Cars cake. Sarah looks on as Sam admired his cake and his friends and relatives waited for their piece!

Meanwhile, Brooklyn observed as Sam worked his magic on John and Sarah's computer. He is amazingly computer savvy for a 3 year old. He can navigate his way to his Sesame Street games with the mouse and his finger...Kyle and I were very impressed. Brooklyn appeared to be, too!

Lily's birthday is three days after Brooklyn's, so the week after B's party, we went to Van Buren to celebrate the birthdays of Sam and Lily in the double birthday bash of the year!

Brooklyn bonded with Sarah's parents and Kyle and I helped out as much as we could! It was great fun!

Lily was much more into her cake than Brooklyn was hers...it was such a great cake, too!

Kyle, Brooklyn and I went to Stuttgart to have a special Birthday Party for Brooklyn with Grandma! Itty opened her present - her super soft Valentine bear - and LOVED it.
She squeezes it to her and giggles. She has recently developed a fondness for stuffed animals. She'll pick her daily favorite and carry it everywhere, holding it close as she scooches around on her knees.

Grandma had made a YUMMY birthday cake that we devoured in celebration of Brooklyn's first birthday! Thanks, Grandma Alice!

Lily and Brooklyn peer out our window to the big world beyond. Brooklyn is thrilled to have Lily here!

Brooklyn LOVES her new Peekaboo books, and discovered her own face on the last page!

She has read this book so much, we had to tape the "peekaboo" flaps back on. She calls her books, her "Bible".

Kennedy and Lily took Baby B under their experienced wings and safely nagivated her through the birthday chaos. Brooklyn is gonna love these two girls.

The partygoers mixed and mingled near the food. Chad and Melissa, Grandma Fleming, Charla with Kennedy, Liz and Matt, and in the background, Toby.

Julia helps Lake eat her cupcake while the other Lily (Brooklyn's best buddy) cruised the furniture in search of stray cupcake bits.

Brooklyn had a TON of presents. There were around 40 something people at her birthday party! She was a little uncertain when everyone crowded round the table to sing to her, but she did not cry! I was very proud. She eyed her cupcake with uncertainty. It was to be her first taste of chocolate.

She didn't dig right in. In fact, she mostly sampled with her fingers. Uncle Mikey helped out, and she appreciated that.

In our breakfast room, Uncle Mikey hung out with Steve, Karla and Aunt Anna.

When it came time to open presents, Brooklyn had no idea what to do, so her friend, Lily W. helped her out. Sarah wrote down the gifts for me, thus greatly helping ME out.

First, she plays peekaboo from her crib...then the big day begins.

My best buddy, Sarah V., came down with Lily to help us set up the party and to celebrate with us! We decorated with an UNO theme. Kyle created UNO cards with Brooklyn's pictures on them, with pictures from each month of her life represented. It was a fabulous idea and looked awesome!

Before the party, Brooklyn and I read books. She played with her Pat the Bunny book. She was great at trying out the ring hole.

The happy family - Kyle, Ashley & Brooklyn!