I am in shock...it's already February and I don't think I've written a blog since Cole's birthday! Oh well...you all know how it is to be a mama and barely look up from a dirty diaper all day. That's my life, right now. I heard this saying from another friend...when you are a mother of small children, the days are long but the years are short. So, I'm trying to remember that each and every day. This season in my life will pass....all too soon, I know and when that day comes, I'm sure I'll long for days of dirty diapers and Dora the Explorer :)
Valentines's day is coming in 6 days and boy, I have a lot of people to love. I'm looking forward to school parties and Valentine cupcakes :) I don't know if a romantic dinner is in the cards for us this year...Mollie is about to walk and I'm not letting her out of sight to save my life. I have to see it...I have to see that sweet baby girl walk. I saw it with Will and missed it with Cole and that devastated me :( So, back to the romantic dinner...I'm thinking of Olive Garden take out this year....we can have our own romantic dinner when the kids go to bed. That's my speed. We'll see...you never know what my sweetheart has in store :)
Update on our family:
Mollie about to walk...she's taken 7 steps (today!) and I have it on tape (yay!)
Cole is excited to be the leader in his class on Valentine's day next week and have a sundae party. He's signed up for baseball this spring and can't wait to play :) He is writing more words and draws me pictures every single day. In only 3 weeks, he'll be signing up for kindergarten...I do not think I'm ready for it...I mean, he's my baby boy....
Little Will is loving school and today, he is going to his first afterschool club...the P.E. Club. He's soooo excited. He adores Coach Cook and can't wait to play "extra" games. He's learning about the Civil War and biographies and for Black History month, he chose Muhammed Ali to study. He's loving learning about a real boxer...probably the best one of all time :)
All of us went to the circus for the first time together last Saturday :) That was great! Lots of fun and lots of cotton candy...my favorite. Our next adventure is hopefully the Lazy 5 Ranch...we've never been....update on that later!
Ok, just thought I would write today...God's blessings are everywhere. Valentine's day and spring is just around the corner...I can't wait!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Happy Birthday Cole!
Ok, so as I think about my soon-to-be 5 year old son, I think about everything he is and how special that child is to me and everyone that loves him. He's me with a lot more confidence. He's so many things...so here are just a few:
1. Cole is a talker...he is just like me. I know he has to meet his word quota by 9:00 am each day :) He started talking, no kidding, at 9 months. He said "ball" and the rest was history. He was saying words like "despicable" at 2 and saying "actually" before every sentence at 3 :) As my Nanni would say, "You better not make him hush!" So, I won't. Cole, keep on talking :)
2. Cole is funny :) That boy can make you laugh...sometimes, he's a little crazy, but he's got a sense of humor that won't quit. He got that from his daddy and a little bit of me. He's really come out of his shell this past year and I see him joking around more and more and it makes me smile.
3. Cole has a beautiful voice. One of these days, I'm gonna get him to sing for the world, but for now, I get to hear him sing like an angel. His voice makes me cry. The first time I heard him sing "Fireflies" I about passed out. That child has a little gift...and I'm so proud :)
4. Cole is passionate about everything....so, if he loves you, he really loves you. If he loves Star Wars (which he adores) he REALLY loves it :)
5. He adores his big brother. Now, this one will really make me cry. Those two were together from day one. Cole looks up to Little Will and would do anything for him. He lives for trips to Little Will's elementary school, where he can have lunch with his big brother. I made his day when I took him to Little Will's Christmas party at school to help out. Anytime he can be with his brother, he is. I hope they have one another their whole lives. He says he's gonna live with Little Will forever :)
6. Cole loves gizzards from Shrimp Boat...ok, what a weird thing to write about but not many people love gizzards. Well, his daddy does and passed down that wonderful trait to his son :) To see them both eatin' those crispy, greasy things...well, it's a sight but I wouldn't miss it for the world.
7. Cole has a smile that won't quit :) Have you seen him lately? That smile is as big as the moon. I love it. He's looked like that since the day he was born. I had never seen a baby look like that. Those big ol' eyes and that smile. I could look at it all day :)
8. Cole loves school. He has the best teachers and he is like a little sponge with everything they teach. He loves them and he truly wouldn't want to be anywhere else than his little preschool and I'm so thankful.
9. Cole is Mollie's buddy...yes, that baby girl follows him all over the house. It's the cutest thing ever. I say they are partners in crime :) I hope it's that way forever.
10. And finally, most importantly, Cole loves Jesus. He always has loved to go to church and to listen to bible stories. That child knows more about Jesus than a lot of adults. I hope he never loses that love and I hope it continues to grow.
So, my baby boy is almost 5....These past 5 years have been precious with you sweetheart. I love you more than all the stars in the sky and all the grains of sand on the beach. I love you as far as the ocean stretches across the world. You are my heart, baby boy. I love you.
Love,
Mama
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Year in Review....2011
Wow, it's been a while since my last post...let's see...we went to Disney World, came home, Little Will and Mollie caught pneumonia, Mollie got 2 ear infections, Mollie got RSV, Cole had a cough that lasted forever, Will got sick, I got sick, Mollie got sick again....and then it was Christmas....
You get the idea, what a month. I don't think I've ever had a month like that in my life. It seemed like every day there was something new and I developed a really close bond with our pediatrician...ha! Oh, did I mention that in the midst of this, I made 75 cookies for my boys' Christmas parties at school??? Anyway, through it all, we had a wonderful Christmas and even created a new tradition of going to the movies on Christmas day...that was seriously fun :) My in-laws came along which made it even more festive and fun and we saw The Muppets :) I laughed out loud through the whole movie and then almost cried when Kermit sang, "The Rainbow Connection"...it was a great day :)
So, here we are on December 28th...and I'm thinking about this past year and all that it included. It was a great year :) I don't say that often because in my life so many things have happened to me that usually on New Year's, I'm so thankful the year is over that I can't see straight. But 2011 was a good year and it was good to me in a lot of ways. So, here's my year in review:
1. In 2011, I had a baby girl :) Ok, that was the absolute highlight of my year, by far. I had her on January 8th, 2011 (Elvis' birthday too...if you didn't know that) and I got to spend almost all of 2011 with that precious, sweet, spunky baby girl. Oh, how I love that child. She is happy and snuggly and all I dreamed she would be. I don't know how you can top that, so I won't even try. So, Mollie Adalyn's birth is #1 :)
2. In 2011, we finally took our kids to Disney World. Wow, what a trip :) We made memories for a lifetime and walked about 100 miles in the process. I wouldn't recommend taking a 10 month old to Disney with 2 other kids, but we were sick of waiting. I mean, we have a 9 year old and an almost 5 year old...The best part was seeing their faces on It's a Small World...the fireworks at the castle...the amazing food on Thanksgiving day...swimming in November at our hotel....you get the idea :)
3. In 2011, I turned 35...ok, that's probably not a highlight but that was a big milestone. It didn't really bother me that much. I was too excited that I just had a baby girl 2 months earlier :)
4. I lost 20 pounds. Yes, I am so happy. I am seeing jean sizes I haven't seen in 5 years. I am by far no fashion plate and no "get-in-shape girl". I hate to exercise and could live on Reese cups but I stopped living on McDonald's cokes and sweet tea, stopped having full meals at 10:00pm and started drinking more water and eating healthier overall . So, I'm happy with how things are going in the weight department ;)
5. In 2011, I went to another Sylvan conference with Will. I don't know why, but I love those things. I never go to the actual conference, but I tag along for moral support. We went to Orlando (which gave us a dry run on what to do when we went as a family in November) and we had a lot of fun. I ate food that was the best ever...ask me about a little hole in the wall Italian place...YUM :) and found the absolute best baby store in the world (Macro Baby). I got to spend time with Cole and Mollie, although I missed Little Will like crazy (so, I probably wouldn't do it again unless all 3 kids could go). I learned to drive on the Florida turnpike and didn't even cry in the process. I've come along way baby :)
6. In 2011, I let all the past go with my family. Yes, this is a very serious topic when I usually just talk about food and fun, but in 2011, I started to grieve. I lost my grandmother (who was really my mother) in 2006 and my grandfather in 2009 and I had never really accepted it or started to grieve for them. I was sad and I was devastated but I hadn't started grieving yet. I was too overwhelmed by the horrible situation that was left for me when they passed away. Those of you who know me well know just how horrible that situation was. So in 2011, I let it go. Don't get me wrong, I still miss my grandparents everyday and pray every night that I will at least have a dream about them so they will still feel alive to me somehow. But I started living for the living this year and I'm not looking back :)
7. I got my first pair of skinny jeans. What a thing to write after #6 but being light-hearted is what I'm all about and after the several years I've had...a pair of skinny jeans is a big deal and it made me smile :)
8. I stopped homeschooling. Yes, that was a BIG deal for me. I stopped something that I never, ever thought I would start, much less stop. But after having Mollie in January, I saw my sweet 3rd grader long for friends, cafeterias and fire drills even more. He wasn't content to stay home with mama and his brother and newborn sister all day. He couldn't meet other homeschooling kids because I couldn't join a homeschool group in flu season with a newborn, so I swallowed all my pride and said no more...it was hard. I cried for 3 weeks. I prayed until I couldn't pray anymore. In all that craziness, God answered my prayers and gave Little Will a sweet, Christian teacher that I still love to this day. I handed my sweet boy over to her and she loved him and everything was alright. That child loves school so much now and he is overflowing with friends. I am so happy :) Will I ever do it again? We'll see...you never know what each year will bring :)
9. In 2011, I learned to cook. I am still trying and sometimes what I make is almost not edible, but I started to learn to cook this year. I can make chicken salad that will make you slap your mama and chicken and dumplins worth fightin' over. I am learning and I love it. I want to be the kind of mama that my boys will grow up talking about eating my cookin'. I'm not there yet, but maybe by this time next year, I will be :)
10. In 2011, I found a lot of happiness. I had lost so much along the way and I had lost my smile. I had one on the outside but I was so sad on the inside. In 2011, I found my best friend and my dad. In 2011, I realized what was most important in life...Will, Little Will, Cole and Mollie. In 2012 and the rest of my life, I'll strive to love those closest to me and love God even more than that.
So, 2011 was a really good year. I am a blessed girl. I have a family that I always dreamed of, friends that are like gold and boy am I thankful :)
You get the idea, what a month. I don't think I've ever had a month like that in my life. It seemed like every day there was something new and I developed a really close bond with our pediatrician...ha! Oh, did I mention that in the midst of this, I made 75 cookies for my boys' Christmas parties at school??? Anyway, through it all, we had a wonderful Christmas and even created a new tradition of going to the movies on Christmas day...that was seriously fun :) My in-laws came along which made it even more festive and fun and we saw The Muppets :) I laughed out loud through the whole movie and then almost cried when Kermit sang, "The Rainbow Connection"...it was a great day :)
So, here we are on December 28th...and I'm thinking about this past year and all that it included. It was a great year :) I don't say that often because in my life so many things have happened to me that usually on New Year's, I'm so thankful the year is over that I can't see straight. But 2011 was a good year and it was good to me in a lot of ways. So, here's my year in review:
1. In 2011, I had a baby girl :) Ok, that was the absolute highlight of my year, by far. I had her on January 8th, 2011 (Elvis' birthday too...if you didn't know that) and I got to spend almost all of 2011 with that precious, sweet, spunky baby girl. Oh, how I love that child. She is happy and snuggly and all I dreamed she would be. I don't know how you can top that, so I won't even try. So, Mollie Adalyn's birth is #1 :)
2. In 2011, we finally took our kids to Disney World. Wow, what a trip :) We made memories for a lifetime and walked about 100 miles in the process. I wouldn't recommend taking a 10 month old to Disney with 2 other kids, but we were sick of waiting. I mean, we have a 9 year old and an almost 5 year old...The best part was seeing their faces on It's a Small World...the fireworks at the castle...the amazing food on Thanksgiving day...swimming in November at our hotel....you get the idea :)
3. In 2011, I turned 35...ok, that's probably not a highlight but that was a big milestone. It didn't really bother me that much. I was too excited that I just had a baby girl 2 months earlier :)
4. I lost 20 pounds. Yes, I am so happy. I am seeing jean sizes I haven't seen in 5 years. I am by far no fashion plate and no "get-in-shape girl". I hate to exercise and could live on Reese cups but I stopped living on McDonald's cokes and sweet tea, stopped having full meals at 10:00pm and started drinking more water and eating healthier overall . So, I'm happy with how things are going in the weight department ;)
5. In 2011, I went to another Sylvan conference with Will. I don't know why, but I love those things. I never go to the actual conference, but I tag along for moral support. We went to Orlando (which gave us a dry run on what to do when we went as a family in November) and we had a lot of fun. I ate food that was the best ever...ask me about a little hole in the wall Italian place...YUM :) and found the absolute best baby store in the world (Macro Baby). I got to spend time with Cole and Mollie, although I missed Little Will like crazy (so, I probably wouldn't do it again unless all 3 kids could go). I learned to drive on the Florida turnpike and didn't even cry in the process. I've come along way baby :)
6. In 2011, I let all the past go with my family. Yes, this is a very serious topic when I usually just talk about food and fun, but in 2011, I started to grieve. I lost my grandmother (who was really my mother) in 2006 and my grandfather in 2009 and I had never really accepted it or started to grieve for them. I was sad and I was devastated but I hadn't started grieving yet. I was too overwhelmed by the horrible situation that was left for me when they passed away. Those of you who know me well know just how horrible that situation was. So in 2011, I let it go. Don't get me wrong, I still miss my grandparents everyday and pray every night that I will at least have a dream about them so they will still feel alive to me somehow. But I started living for the living this year and I'm not looking back :)
7. I got my first pair of skinny jeans. What a thing to write after #6 but being light-hearted is what I'm all about and after the several years I've had...a pair of skinny jeans is a big deal and it made me smile :)
8. I stopped homeschooling. Yes, that was a BIG deal for me. I stopped something that I never, ever thought I would start, much less stop. But after having Mollie in January, I saw my sweet 3rd grader long for friends, cafeterias and fire drills even more. He wasn't content to stay home with mama and his brother and newborn sister all day. He couldn't meet other homeschooling kids because I couldn't join a homeschool group in flu season with a newborn, so I swallowed all my pride and said no more...it was hard. I cried for 3 weeks. I prayed until I couldn't pray anymore. In all that craziness, God answered my prayers and gave Little Will a sweet, Christian teacher that I still love to this day. I handed my sweet boy over to her and she loved him and everything was alright. That child loves school so much now and he is overflowing with friends. I am so happy :) Will I ever do it again? We'll see...you never know what each year will bring :)
9. In 2011, I learned to cook. I am still trying and sometimes what I make is almost not edible, but I started to learn to cook this year. I can make chicken salad that will make you slap your mama and chicken and dumplins worth fightin' over. I am learning and I love it. I want to be the kind of mama that my boys will grow up talking about eating my cookin'. I'm not there yet, but maybe by this time next year, I will be :)
10. In 2011, I found a lot of happiness. I had lost so much along the way and I had lost my smile. I had one on the outside but I was so sad on the inside. In 2011, I found my best friend and my dad. In 2011, I realized what was most important in life...Will, Little Will, Cole and Mollie. In 2012 and the rest of my life, I'll strive to love those closest to me and love God even more than that.
So, 2011 was a really good year. I am a blessed girl. I have a family that I always dreamed of, friends that are like gold and boy am I thankful :)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Disney Trip Day 1
Well, we made it...I thought this day would never get here. We actually did keep it a secret for 6 months. That was tough. But it was soooo worth it :) Those boys had no idea. Here's how today has gone...
Will and I woke up at 4:00 am. We had packed the car up last night and all we had to do was get dressed and get Mollie's pack and play. We got ready super quick...we both got NO sleep last night...so adrenaline was in full force. Around 4:45 am, I woke up the boys while Will and Mollie ran to the store to get some gas for the van. I told them that we were going to church EXTRA early today :) They actually got up and didn't argue....they were getting ready for church...at 4:45 am! It was pitch dark and so cold. When they were done, Will was back and waiting in the van. I locked up the house and brought the boys outside. They got in the van...looked around...saw all the luggage and looked totally confused. Will had the video camera ready and told the boys that he had something for them and then showed them the Disney tickets. It was magical :) They were shocked...they didn't scream or jump up and down, they were truly shocked and couldn't believe that we were leaving for Disney right that second. Little Will immediately was worried about missing school...he's so much like his daddy :) We told them that we had thought of everything and that everything was worked out. About 2 hours down the road (remember we told them around 5:00 am...) it really hit them and they were giddy, plain ol' giddy. They were literally spinning around in Hardees at breakfast today. I think Disney World just seemed like such a fantasy to them...it couldn't be real, right? Well, it is and it was today for my 3 sweet blessings. I am so lucky.
So, here's the run-down of today, after the surprise...
We drove to Orlando in about 8 hours...not too bad...that's a record for us. Thank the Lord for Navigation on my phone.
We got to our hotel early and got our room early...it's the best room in the hotel...I have no idea how we go this lucky, except for the fact that the hotel had messed up and essentially double booked our old room. I was so upset at first...remember, I had planned this for 6 months!! But God was watching out for us..We got a new room...this one is unbelievable and for an awesome deal. Once again, I am lucky.
We made it to the Magic Kingdom today...yay for 6 day hopper passes ;) The boys got to ride the Monorail, It's a Small World and the Mad Hatter's teacups. Plus, we saw the show at Cinderella's castle that even included fireworks and all the princesses for Mollie :) And to top off the most perfect night, we saw Mickey's Electric Parade at 9:00 tonight. We had great seats...Cole fell asleep and Mollie clapped the whole time. Little Will was practically on the front row. We all ate fried shrimp and fries...strawberry banana smoothies and the best vanilla iced coffee I've ever had.
Now, we are back at our condo...Cole's asleep, Mollie's asleep, Little Will's asleep and even Will is asleep but I just had to take a second to write...I can't let today pass and not document this perfect day. We sure had waited long enough...I hope I never forget the smiles, the tears (from me), the chills and the magic. That's what being a mama is about right? Making the most of every day with God's most perfect gifts and letting them feel the magic every once in a while :) Until tomorrow....
Will and I woke up at 4:00 am. We had packed the car up last night and all we had to do was get dressed and get Mollie's pack and play. We got ready super quick...we both got NO sleep last night...so adrenaline was in full force. Around 4:45 am, I woke up the boys while Will and Mollie ran to the store to get some gas for the van. I told them that we were going to church EXTRA early today :) They actually got up and didn't argue....they were getting ready for church...at 4:45 am! It was pitch dark and so cold. When they were done, Will was back and waiting in the van. I locked up the house and brought the boys outside. They got in the van...looked around...saw all the luggage and looked totally confused. Will had the video camera ready and told the boys that he had something for them and then showed them the Disney tickets. It was magical :) They were shocked...they didn't scream or jump up and down, they were truly shocked and couldn't believe that we were leaving for Disney right that second. Little Will immediately was worried about missing school...he's so much like his daddy :) We told them that we had thought of everything and that everything was worked out. About 2 hours down the road (remember we told them around 5:00 am...) it really hit them and they were giddy, plain ol' giddy. They were literally spinning around in Hardees at breakfast today. I think Disney World just seemed like such a fantasy to them...it couldn't be real, right? Well, it is and it was today for my 3 sweet blessings. I am so lucky.
So, here's the run-down of today, after the surprise...
We drove to Orlando in about 8 hours...not too bad...that's a record for us. Thank the Lord for Navigation on my phone.
We got to our hotel early and got our room early...it's the best room in the hotel...I have no idea how we go this lucky, except for the fact that the hotel had messed up and essentially double booked our old room. I was so upset at first...remember, I had planned this for 6 months!! But God was watching out for us..We got a new room...this one is unbelievable and for an awesome deal. Once again, I am lucky.
We made it to the Magic Kingdom today...yay for 6 day hopper passes ;) The boys got to ride the Monorail, It's a Small World and the Mad Hatter's teacups. Plus, we saw the show at Cinderella's castle that even included fireworks and all the princesses for Mollie :) And to top off the most perfect night, we saw Mickey's Electric Parade at 9:00 tonight. We had great seats...Cole fell asleep and Mollie clapped the whole time. Little Will was practically on the front row. We all ate fried shrimp and fries...strawberry banana smoothies and the best vanilla iced coffee I've ever had.
Now, we are back at our condo...Cole's asleep, Mollie's asleep, Little Will's asleep and even Will is asleep but I just had to take a second to write...I can't let today pass and not document this perfect day. We sure had waited long enough...I hope I never forget the smiles, the tears (from me), the chills and the magic. That's what being a mama is about right? Making the most of every day with God's most perfect gifts and letting them feel the magic every once in a while :) Until tomorrow....
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Where I have been??
Where have I been? Well, let's see...sick with tracheitis (yeah, what in the world is that?), under a pile of laundry, in the car rider line at my kids' schools, in the kitchen hovered over a good homecooked meal that none of my kids will eat, with my nose in book full of mulitiplication facts, in the bathroom trying to get a quick (and I mean quick) shower while Mollie sleeps (for all of 15 minutes)...the list goes on and on....it's been a crazy few days. We are all on the mend now but what a terrible few days it was. I'm just glad this is all behind us...we leave for Disney in 10 days and I definitely do not want to cough on Mickey ;)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Disney Planning...
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