As for #1...

...child, that is.  I promised a "new beginning" post about Amy.  Unlike her siblings, Amy is done with her many years of schooling, culminating last year as she graduated with a Master's Degree!

We are so proud of her and all she has accomplished academically.  Now, each day of her life seems to be filled with new beginnings--how could it not be with this little person around!

I like to call her, "the Mads!"  This was that day that she was "weeding."  Then there was the day...

...she was"baking" at Grandma's house (while the rest of us were eating in the other room)!  Or a few days ago, when she was helping grandma wipe down some walls...

The Mads turned two last week--of course each day is a fun "new beginning" for her and her mom!  She is the joy of the family, and every day is better if she is a part of it.  But as much fun as the Mads adds to her little family, there are some exciting other beginnings in the making:

She and grandma were wiping down the walls of a "new" home.  Amy and husband closed on a new house last week--and it's less than an hour away from grandma and grandpa!  Happiness!!  And none too soon, the Mads is showing grandma the anticipated "new beginning" happening in December...

..the arrival of a new little sister!  Yes, there are many exciting happenings in Amy's life. She chronicles her "musings" on her blog, Simple Pearls--demonstrating some masterful writing skills.  I love having Amy nearby, I love that she has chosen to be a mom--thus making me a grandma, and I love that she continues to hone gifts and talents which she has been given in a new arena of life.