Full Swing

Now that Halloween is over, the Christmas season is in full swing! I've started making my lists, planning Holiday menus, and even got a lot of my Christmas shopping DONE. My goal for this year is to have everything bought (and wrapped) the weekend after Thanksgiving.

This year, I'd like to enjoy the season with out all the stress of buying presents. I'm thinking of doing a cookie exchange with my girlfriends, maybe having a Christmas dinner with some couple friends and really enjoying spending time with my family! It's going to be the best year yet ;)

Lily is at such a fun age, and she's going to love opening the presents. Logan's just getting into "big boy" stuff- so we're having a blast picking out gift for him. I just love this time of year! I'm going to soak it all in.

I'm ready for fall

But, apparently the south... is not.

It's so hot- we're melting here! I can't wait to put my kids in their cute long sleeved clothes. I keep saying to myself "any day now, any day now..."

I will not be complaining about the cold this winter (not that it actually gets cold, per se, but 50s and 60s is cold for us).

Clearing the Clutter

Well, after months of purging, organizing, and redecorating- I think we finally got it! I'm loving the look of our house now- it feels like a new home!!

Here are some photos (in no certain order mostly because I'm not gadget girl and this is the best I could do uploading multiple pictures on blogger)

The Dinning room

Formal living room

Master bath

A cute model

Master bedroom

Art work in the dining room

One view of the formal living room

Family room

This is above the family room couch (that's my husbands hair, hehe)

She kept following me around saying "cheese, cheese"

Above the kitchen sink

Above the microwave

Happy Halloween

Well, our weekend didn't go as planned. I feel like God has a funny way of reminding me that I'm not in control...

I spent hours planning and working on costumes and a "spooky menu" (which consisted of bat wings, deviled eyes, and maggots and cheese... but I digress) and Saturday morning I woke up not feeling very well. But, in good spirit, I got up and got ready for Logan's EIGHT THIRTY soccer game, came home dropped the Lily off (Logan went home with my mother in law) and ran a quick errand.

When I got home Lily was still napping so I decided to lay down and get some shut eye- but when I woke up I was so sick I couldn't move. I rolled out of bed and laid on the couch while Lily had a snack. Then Doug announced from the bedroom he was sick, too!! We did what we could between the two of us, but poor Lily sat in the pack n play watching Nick Jr for longer than I care to share. I kept looking at the clock saying "6 more shows till bedtime. 5 more shows till bedtime..."

Finally, at 5 pm my mother in law came and got her! She had both kids overnight and they spent all day today (Sunday) over there.

That wasn't exactly the "family fun day" I had planned.

So, I spent the day cleaning and disinfecting every inch of this house.

When the kids got home, Logan had 100.1 fever... a great way to start the evening! But, I have him some motrin, got the kids dressed and headed out for some Halloween fun! Hopefully he'll be on the mend soon.

Doug and I both feel better (thank God) but still not 100%. This virus was fast and furious.

Don't Blink

Because your sweet baby boy will soon turn FIVE!

Happy (belated) FIFTH Birthday Logan

10/14/05

40 Days

Recently I went on a 40 day television fast... actually I haven't watched TV since so I guess it's a 42 day fast now.

I really felt convicted that I was watching too much television, and decided I'd like to focus my attention on other areas of my life: like my family, and friends.

I thought I wasn't going to be able to do it- but it was easier than I thought!! I missed all the premiers of my favorite shows, and I didn't even care! I now spend my evenings talking to my husband, playing bored games and reading. I'd like to invest time into sewing- something I LOVE doing, but don't have much time for.

We're not sure what the "TV future" holds for us... but we're very close to canceling cable.

Pumpkin Patch

Saturday we took the kids to the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving... we ended up taking home 5 pumpkins and one gored. I couldn't help myself! I love this time of year (even though it's still 90 degrees outside) and watching my kids frolic in the hay made my day!

After the pumpkin patch we headed down to the near by mall to go for train rides and dinner.

It was an awesome day!

Pictures!

I'm so excited right now, because we're finally able to upload our pictures onto our computer again!! You see, my hard drive was full- what with 20,000 pictures and all (no joke)- so I haven't been able to upload pictures from my camera to the computer.

BUT, we got a new computer, cleaned up my old hard drive AND voila! pictures again.

Soon, I will be able to have posts with pictures.

It's the simple things in life ;)

It's not just the garage...

I wish I could blame all my, ahem, clutter on my wonderful Mother in law, but the truth is it's a problem we've had since moving here 6 years ago.

I'm an "everything in it's place" girl, and the fact is we just don't have a place for everything. And, I believe, that's because we simply have too much!!

So far, I've gone through each closet and got rid of clothes that don't fit/have a stain/or damaged. I've also gone through the kids toys, and if it was broken it got thrown away. Any unnecessary toy got given to family with little or no toys. Since then, my kids are actually playing better! They enjoy the toys they have, and can find them (imagine that!).

I've filed all paperwork and have a place for unpaid bills- I'm finding it less stressful because I know where everything is!!

By nature, I'm a "piler". I make a pile for everything... I'm working on that! At the end of the day, I have a pile for Lily's stuff, Logan's stuff, unpaid bills, laundry, stuff that needs to go in my car, etc. But, each night I'm taking 15 extra minutes to clear the piles (well, the one's that can be cleared). This makes my mornings easier and less stressful. I think once I find a home for every orphaned item, that task will be easier, too!

For now, I'm enjoying cutting the clutter. It's cathartic!

Less is MORE

Alternately titled: Out with old, in with the... well NOTHING hopefully.

We have too much stuff. We live in a beautiful home, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and adequate living space. Our problem, however, is we have too much stuff!!

I am a purger- I always have been, always will be. I do hold on to somethings for sentimental value, but my hard and fast rule is "if it hasn't been used/worn in 6 months (with the exception of seasonal items) it's going to Good Will". My hubby on the other hand has clothes that he wore his senior year of high school... no seriously he does. Which would be totally fine if he wasn't adding to his collection- but he is... and it's craziness.

My mother in law is a self proclaimed "stuff girl". She knows how to place it, stack it, pack it, fit it, and organize it. She's an interior designer and her home is beautiful; it looks like a showroom for a magazine. However, it's not functional for a family of 4 and not functional for a stay at home mom with two small children.

Anyway, in love, she passes down stuff to me. I in the past, have purged the things I don't want- then she says "I see you don't have the [insert purged item here] out anymore. May I have it back?" Me "uh....."

So now, after being questioned several times, I have kept things I'm not using in order to ahem avoid having an awkward conversation. Now I have a garage full of stuff I don't want. FULL.

Today, I'm purging. Out with the old, in with the... well NOTHING.

I'm learning to be content with what I have.

Playgroup

When I was pregnant with Logan, I joined our local MOMS club. I didn't know anyone else that was having a baby, and I really wanted to connect with people in the same life stage.

For a time, it was the perfect fit. We went on field trips, had monthly meetings, had Holiday parties, and made friends (that were all with in 5 miles!). But the great thing about the MOMS club was the weekly playgroup. We met every Friday morning at 10am and would have 2-15 kids at any given time! Each person on the "playgroup roster" would take a turn hosting in their home.

But, as time went on an the children got older, our chapter of the MOMS club got very small. Many members were phasing out because their older children were school age, and wrapped up in other actives.

Logan and I were very involved in the club. I even served on the board two years in a row, VP the first year, President the second.

There were some negative things about the club- but overall it was so much fun, and kept us busy for three years.

The last year I was in the club, my very close friend (and fellow MC member) got pregnant with sextuplets. A member of the club, E, came to me and asked if I would like to help her with an event she was putting together to help raise money for sextuplet's family. Of course, I was eager to help!!

As I got more involved in the "Baby Shower", I started to witness something I've never seen before. My partner, E, wasn't doing this shower for the family- she was doing it to glorify the Lord. The more I got to know her, the more I wanted to be around her. I was a "lost Christian" when she found me, wondering around the same mountain for years until she picked me up turned me around and put me on the right path. She became (and still is) my "Spiritual Mother".

We held the event at her Church. It was perfect- AND we raised over $1,000 for the family!!

Over time "her Church" became MY Church, and I'm so happy it did.

Anyway, after the shower, our friendship continued. We had SO much in common, and we were spending lots of time together.... and when we weren't together, we were talking on the phone.


Our friendship grew, and so did our bellies! We got pregnant at the exact same time!! We were only eight days apart!! It was so wonderful experiencing such a special thing with someone so special to me.

Now, we get together with another sweet friend and our little ones play while we have playgroup. It's the BEST set up EVER!! No MC drama, no gossip, no negative talk. Just slightly inappropriate jokes, Starbucks coffee, and friends.

Football

It has been an incredible summer for us! Our family truly enjoyed spending the hot summer days (and nights, and mornings, and afternoons) together.

But, now it's time to get back on track and on a schedule... or somewhat of a routine.

One day while Logan was watching a movie, he expressed interest in "joining a team". Excited, I signed him up for the next available sport. Football.

Practices are once a week in the evening, and he has 8am games on Saturday morning- which probably sounds awful for y'all, but here on the surface of the sun it's actually the BEST time for a game, cause it's only 94 degrees outside at that hour.

This is Logan's first exposure to team sports, and all things considered he's done really well. He has a young coach, and he's so patient with Logan- and all the others. We have the smallest team, so the past two games we've "borrowed" a player from the other team ;)

In the beginning of the game, Logan's excited and running; but the end of the game he's chasing dragonflies. He even ran the other direction when he had the ball last week ;)

I just love spending my time watching my kids grow and learn.

Strangers in the Rain

One dark and stormy night (okay, it wasn't dark- but it WAS raining!) I was driving my very young toddler down the slippery street. It had just started raining and I was on my way home from a VERY long day. My husband had been sent to the emergency room from work, and my eighteen month old was staying with my Mom. Once he got the all clear to leave (he was fine, just a REALLY bad case of indigestion), he drove home while I picked up Logan.

I was going about 65 miles an hour on a busy street- I was rushing cause I was exhausted and so ready to be home. Before I knew it, my car was spinning and totally out of control. After what seemed like hours, I stalled to a stop on the side of the VERY busy road and I climbed out of my car. We weren't hurt, but I had no idea what happened. I did a "check of the lights" on my dash, but everything seemed fine.

So, I got out of my car to see if everything was okay. What was once a tire was shredded all over the road. There was nothing on my rim. Nothing.

I didn't know what to do, so I pulled Logan out of the car, put him in an umbrella stroller (in the rain remember) because I was more concerned that someone would ram into us going, well, 65 miles an hour.

You see, it was rush hour, on a busy street, with NO side walk, no bike lane, nothing.

After I get Logan safely buckled in, I call my husband. Who calls his Mom. Who calls her husband. They're all AT LEAST 45 minutes away from me, and I'm standing in the pouring rain with a toddler on a busy street. Of course we call AAA but what I really wanted was a dry place to put my baby (and myself, but of course, him first).

All of sudden a big white beat up truck pulls up behind me. A tall dark middle aged man came running towards me.

At that moment I said a silent prayer, and looked around me. The cars came rushing by like I was a nobody, and my only witnesses were the 30 goats in the field next to me.

By the time he got to me, he was screaming "open your trunk" over the roar of the rain.

I had to think fast, because surely this would be the time and place that I would die. I pushed Logan's stroller as close to the goats as possible and asked God to please let a family member find him if I nor the car were no longer here. I gripped my keys between my fingers and I held my cell phone as tight as I possibly could. I thought if he threw me in the car I could at least call 911, or I could do that thing I saw on Oprah one time and kick out the tail light. I just hoped that he didn't knock me out first.

I did what he said out of fear. He worked fast. He moved all my "mom gear" from the trunk to the back seat. And then he did the unthinkable.

He lifted the carpet and used this crazy looking square tool and started spinning it. Then from underneath the car popped out my spare tire.

There he was, in the pouring rain, changing my tire. A stranger's tire. Just then my husband calls me.

I answer the phone. He asks my a barage of questions, none of which I can remember now. All I remember asking him is "what should I do?" He told me, "Give him all the cash you have. Everything in your wallet."

It took the man several minutes to finish, and by the time he had my husband was less than a mile away.

I pulled out my wallet and handed him the money.

He wouldn't take it. He just said (and this is not an exact quote cause it's been several years but this is as close as it gets) "My rewards are not of this world. I'm building my treasures in Heaven."

Yes you are.

And let me tell you, that was a defining moment for me. I'll never forget that man and what he did for me that day. I look forward to telling him that in "person" when we're in Glory.

I'm up in the Nursery

Mother, oh Mother
come shake out your cloth,
empty the dustpan,
poison the moth,
hang out the washing
and butter the bread,
sew on a button and make up a bed.

Where is the mother whose house
is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery,
blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown shiftless as
Little Boy Blue.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due.
The shopping's not done
and there's nothing for stew
and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
but I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?

The cleaning and scrubbing
will wait till tomorrow,
for children grow up,
as I've learned through my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs.
Dust, go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep...

Poem written by Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

A Father's Celebration!

Well, this year Father's Day, and my husband's birthday were a day apart!

So, my wonderful hubby had TWO days of celebration!

We kicked off on Friday when we picked up the cookie bouquet I ordered for him. It's so hard to buy presents for him, and I wanted to get something that I knew he would love, so I got a "musical" cookie bouquet. It had guitars and stars and tickets on it... it was sooo cute! On Sunday, I packed up the kids and took them to church. We got to see my Dad for a little bit (and he got to check out Lily's new walking trick!). Then, we came home and I made lunch for me and Doug and the kids. We relaxed and did just want my hubby wanted- a whole lot of nothing.

Then, we stopped by my in-laws for a little bit in the afternoon. Then, we put the kids to bed early and had a little time for ourselves.

The next day, was my husband's birthday! I spent the morning running around and gathered up all his favorite things. First stop- Target to pick up a DVD he wanted Logan to have; then we went to Publix to pick up his cake; then we went to Dunkin Donuts to get and eclair and coffee; and finally Subway to get there new breakfast sandwich (only TWO points!).

The day went a little different than expected, because we took Logan to an impromptu Dr apt (more on that later). So while I whisked Logan away, Daddy and Lily spent some quality time together.

My Mom came over around 4 o'clock and we took the kid and picked up Outback for the whole crew (My parents/DJ's parents/our family). It was nice to sit around our kitchen table and not have the stress of cooking/cleaning up after a party. Then we sang and cut the cake that Logan picked out earlier that morning.

It was a wonderful way to celebrate a wonderful man!

Thank you, honey, for all you do for our family. Your hard work, kind spirit, and gentle touch are some of the reasons I love you so much. You're an amazing Dad, and I fall in love with you more and more everyday!

Weight Watchers

Well , I decided once and for all I HAVE to get rid of this baby weight!! So, I decided to join weight watchers online.

I'm soooo excited about it, because I'm able to eat the foods I make and still lose weight.

When I got pregnant with Logan, I was already over weight; and by the time he was a year old I was back at my PRE DELIVERY date!! So, I worked my butt off (litterally)


and lost 70 pounds, and kept it off for a year.

It did help that my mother-in-law joined a weight loss clinic,
And lost 50 pounds... I didn't want to be the woman who's Mom is hotter than her :)


Then when I got pregnant with Lily, I vowed NOT to gain a ton a weight and to be back at my pre prego weight with in three months of delivery. Well, I didn't gain a ton of weight (only 39) BUT it's been 15 months and I'm still closer to my delivery weight then my pre pregnancy weight :/

So, I joined Weight Watchers Online in the hopes to lose 30 pounds by Christmas. I'm super excited about it (I LOVE the iPhone app) and I've already lost 4 pounds!


Only 31 more to go!!

Where Does Time GO?

June 2009

June 2010

Where does time GO?

Schools Out for Summer

The summer is finally here! Today is Logan's last day of school, and I couldn't be happier. School's out, the weather is warm, and VBS starts next week. But I can't help but think about where I was this time last year. I felt so alone, so lost, and out of control. I had no idea what was in store for our family; and in some ways I still don't- but at least we have help!

Ever year I teach/volunteer at VBS (Vacation Bible School). And last year Logan really struggled. He was a sweet boy trapped inside his body, and we didn't know how to help him. In fact on the second day of VBS I was told "something's not quite right."

By this time (June 2009), he had already been evaluated by FDLRS and was waiting for his second evaluation- which only happened during school months so we had to wait till August. When the preschool director at my church pulled me aside to talk about Logan I completely broke down. I hadn't fully come to grips with this challenge God laid out for me- and having another professional tell me "he's unique" was almost unbearable to hear.

However, Logan's not the only one growing- him Mom is, too. And that Mom who started this blog was a woman in a lot of pain. She was mourning the loss of a son she thought she had.

I'm proud to announce that I'm not that woman anymore. Yes, I still have painful days; and yes I still ask "why me". But today I stand (well, actually I'm sitting but whose checking) before you a new Mom. One who's learning everyday is a gift, and I'm working more and more on enjoying the miracle in the moment.

He's come so far, and grown a lot over the past eight months. He's our pride and joy, and I'm so thankful God blessed me with him.

First Day of School (10/15/09)

Little Daddy

Logan is the best "little Daddy" to his sister. I'm constantly hearing things like "please don't put that in your mouth;" and "you're sooooo pretty Lily."

He has a tender touch, and gentle heart. He tells me that Lily is his best friend- and he's ALWAYS looking out for her.

He'll play, "read", and even sing to her. She's very blessed to have him :)


And we're blessed to have them both.

Summertime

Although we're very sad that Logan's therapist will not be returning next year, I'm thrilled the last day of school is in TWO short days.

We have lots of fun day trips planned (and a couple vacations too). My husband's work usually slows down in the summer, which gives us time to enjoy family time!

I can't wait to take the kids to the beach! We went last year, but now that Lily's a little older, she'll be able to enjoy it more.

I'm also planning on spending LOTS of time...



in our back yard.

Moving On

Logan's beloved therapist told me she was retiring.

I couldn't hold back the tears as she uttered the words "I'm retiring." I've been so focused on helping my son, that I honestly never even considered that one of the key people in his developmental pre-school could move on.

I'm feel so blessed that Mrs. B shared her talent with my family. Not only was she dedicated to Logan at school, but she was dedicated to his home and family life too. She made house calls, took phone calls from a crying mother, led a parenting class (that helped me SO much), and became a friend.


She's helped countless children, and we so thankful we were one of them. You will be missed Mrs. B.

Guilty.

I'm feeling slightly guilty for tonight's "dinner". I ordered pizza... which wouldn't be so bad.

Except.

I went out to brunch, too.

Oops.

House Rulls

This year, I've really been working on our "Family Rules". I grew up in a loving home, and we had set boundaries- and that's something I want for my kids too!

Some (basic) rules we have are:

1. Sit together for dinner as often as possible.
2. Respect each other (no yelling, back talking, don't be demanding)
3. Use a kind loving tone, even when disciplining (I admit, this isn't always easy... but I'm working on it)
4. ABSOLUTELY no hitting. Hands are for hugging!
5. Help clean up our messes.


Well, tonight I learned a tough lesson on follow through. My husband and I have laid out some consequences for breaking the rules.... and tonight Logan hit his sister. The consequence for hitting in our house is: no TV, no treats, go to bed 30 minutes early.

After he hit her, I sat him down, and got eye to eye with him. I lowered my voice and spoke in very clear three to five word sentences (this tecnique is called "low and slow"; it's very useful for children with sensory issues). "Logan, (pause) we don't hit. (pause) Hands are for hugging. (pause) When we hit (pause) then there is a consequence. (pause)" I repeated that phrase about three times. He was very upset and I hugged him and told him that he needed to cool off in his room for 4 minutes.

I SO badly wanted to run in there and tell him "no big deal blah blah blah" and then give him cookies and pretend nothing happened- but that wouldn't be very responsible of me {poo}.

Luckily for me, this incident happened around 6.30pm ANYWAY, so I didn't have too much back lash- I just started my bedtime routine right then! But when I laid him down at 7.30, and he begged me to let him watch TV, and he told me how sorry he was, and how he wanted to talk to sister and tell her he was wrong- I REALLY wanted to give in... but I didn't. I lovingly told him "that phrase" hugged him and told him that I love him very much.


And now??

He's asleep. And it's not even 8 yet... I guess there is something to be said about following through. Who knew?

Five

In honor of our

FIFTH wedding anniversary

(nine years together)

we've decided to go on a kid free weekend getaway to the beach!

I can't wait to get some much needed rest and relaxation with my hubby ;)

Out Grown

We have a beautiful home, on a quiet street, in a gated community... but some days I feel overwhelmed by the clutter, and lack of storage. The truth is, we've out grown this house and are in the market for a new one!

We've lived here for (almost) six years, and honestly it will be hard to move from the home where we brought our children home. Where they BOTH took their first steps. Where we built a life...

BUT

We found a beautiful piece of property about 20 miles south of where we live now. It's about 1/2 an acre on a river (that opens up to the mouth of the Gulf)- and honestly it's a steal! Once we buy the land, we'll have two years to build a home.

I'm REALLY looking forward to designing a home that fits our needs. I'm praying that it all works out and we're able to sell our home and build our DREAM home :)

I'm Back!

I'm sorry I've taken such a long hiatus from this blog- I've just been trying to catch my breath here!

Sometimes I find it hard to find the balance between mom, wife, lover, and friend.

I'll give you the Cliff Notes version of what's been going on:

1. My husband searched for a new job.
2. Walks in the door and says "let's go on a cruise." We book it, and leave a week later (um... seriously people I didn't even have Lily's birth certificate, let alone sun screen!)
3. He quit his job at the bank and moved to a completely different field.
4. Lily's Birthday! She's one- how fast did that go?!?
5. We celebrated Easter (He's Alive!).
6. I take the kids (with my mom) to NYC to visit my sister. Loved the city, but so glad I live in suburbia.
7. Beth Moore Conference.

That's it for now! Off to Bible study. Oh! and check back later- I have pictures to put up :)

Playing Catch

-Up that is!

We've been so busy, I haven't found time to blog at all :(

When Lily's napping I'll write a post on all that's been going on (including our surprise family cruise my hubby gave me).

For now, I want to vent... about myself. A couple months ago I wrote this post about suffering from the "manys". That was a serious five finger point at M-E. And here I am three months later going around that same mountain.

iwillpurgeiwillpurgeiwillpurge

This spring, I'm doing some SERIOUS spring cleaning (and hopefully helping some folks out in the process).

Okay, back to folding about 4 loads of laundry (no joke).

He's not just anyone, he's my son

Yesterday Logan came home with his first report card. I found it at the bottom of his bag, tucked neatly in a white envelope. I opened it- not know what it was.

Once I unfolded it, and figured out what it was my heart sank. I saw several Ns (to be expected) and felt a deep sadness*... but I wasn't surprised.

*It's one thing to know your son has a "delay" or isn't typical, and it's another thing to see it in black and white on a very official looking state approved report card.

The report listed the goals for this year (there were 6) and then gave a grade next to each one. M- mastered, S- satisfactory, and N- needs improvement. He got 2 Ns and 4 Ss.

Annual Goal that received an N:

• Circle time- participate for 15 minutes and answer simple questions.
  
• Demonstrate fine motor skills and coordination needed for writing.

There was also an entire page of accomplishments and tribulations. A couple things that stood out: "Logan is learning to do things more independently like open his own milk carton and food wrappers." and "Logan uses the bathroom independently with no accidents!".

When I read that I thought (insert sarcastic tone here) "great".

As I was driving today I prayed a prayer I've prayed many many many times. It went something like:

"I need to You to heal him. / Please Lord God give me the strength to help him grow into a strong man of God. / Free him of his OCD, Lord. / Help him not to be scared Father. Let him know You're there."

And Mark Schultz's song "He's my Son" came on the radio.

That's it! That's my song!

Now, I know that song is a tragic song about a terminally ill child- but I really felt like it described my prayer. He doesn't have a terminal disease (Thank You Thank You Thank You Jesus for that), yet he's a prisoner in his own mind. He's constantly telling me he has a stomach ache (worry) or he's scared (panic).

We're working on it Logan. I'm doing my best, I hope it's enough.

I'm down on my knees again tonight
I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right
See there is a boy that needs Your help
I've done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired
I'm sure You can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries not to cry
As the tears fill her eyes

CHORUS:
Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can You see him?
Can You make him feel all right?
If You can hear me
Let me take his place somehow
See, he's not just anyone
He's my son

Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he'd like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God who he needs right now is You
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He's so tired and he's scared
Let him know that You're there

CHORUS

Can You hear me?
Can You see him?
Please don't leave him
He's my son

My Job Description

I am a:

• Chauffeur
• Personal Shopper
• Personal Chef
• Pastry Chef
• Nurse
• House Keeper
• Organizer
• Teacher
• Woman of God
• Finance Manager
• Banker
• Travel Agent
• Boo boo fixer
• Television turn-er on-er
• Cheer-er up-er
• Coffee Maker
• Laundry Matt operator
• Technician
• And so much more...
  

But y'all make it worth it.

Winter we Welcome You

While most of my state is O-V-E-R this cold weather, my family is embracing it(30 degrees is cold for us you know). When the thermometer dips this low, it makes me (not so) secretly wish we lived where it snowed.

Everyday my palm trees are covered with ice, my lawn is dying, and despite my best effort to save my plants (by covering them with my bed sheets) Jack Frost is biting them with everything he has. I imagine that this spring we'll be relandscaping- which is fine by me.

I'm still working on getting organized. We're going to be doing some furniture moving this weekend, and I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to give us so much more space in our family area- plus be much safer for Lily (I'll take some pictures and do a post on it later).

Lots planned today- oil change, car wash, Target, bank, bill paying (yuck!). It's a "no fun" job, but someone has to do it! Hopefully tomorrow I can do something fun with the kids0 like the park!

My prayers are with Haiti- praying for all those affected by the earthquake.

Happy 10 months Lily

Dear Princess Lady Lily Lou (that's her full name... okay it's not, but I think it's cute),

What a sweet treasure you are! You are so full of life and energy, and everything about you makes me smile (well almost everything). You eat absolutly everything I give you, from avocados to black beans, you're a trouper and I love cooking for you. You love shoes (wonder where you got that from) playing with your brother's toys, going for walks, and watching Baby Einstein (you call it "baby"). You're all over the house these days, which is a challenge- especially when you and your brother go in different directions- but I love every minute of it.

You're fitting in 12-18 month clothing, but you mostly wear 18-24 (Daddy likes to make sure you have lots of room, cause well, you have a rounded bell- and "baby boobs"). You laugh and play all day long, it's (almost) impossible to be in a bad mood when you're around! You like to play with things you can't have- like the phone, wires, hair, etc- and you're always trying to steel food off our plates (go figure).

I feel so blessed to call you my daughter. I prayed and prayed and prayed for you, and God answered my prayer and more. You're the perfect addition to our family, and I couldn't ask for more. I look forward to celebrating your first birthday, going on mother-daughter dates, and taking you out for tea.

I look forward to teaching you about Jesus, and His immeasurable gift He has given us. I'm excited for all your firsts- but mostly I'm focused on today. Today you're a loudish, funny, cute little sister that has brightened my day. Thank you.

Love,
Mommy