What A Difference Three Years Makes

I was going through our Caring Bridge site and found this. This time of year is always bittersweet, but this is a good reminder of what a blessing she was... and continues to be.

Thursday, February 5, 2009 10:23 AM, CST
Pain. It's something I've never really thought alot about. Last night, that was not the case...
I was lying on the couch- quite uncomfortable as usual. Since Lilly Kate's level of fluid is so high, it is sometimes painful when she moves around or gets situated in a certain place. Last night as she was moving around, I thought not about the pain but how lucky I am that I get to spend this time with her. Each movement, each pain is a reminder that she is there. Every moment that I have with her, no matter how painful, is precious.
I started to think of my emotional pain the same way. There are days when I lie in bed and cry because it hurts so much and I want to bring her home so badly. But what if I never felt this pain? What if I never went through any of this at all? But instead- each pain is a reminder of how lucky I am to have this little soul to love, and to help me grow. It is a reminder how precious life is, no matter how short. It is a reminder to me that this grief, this pain, is an expression of my love and for that I am beyond blessed. Aside from bringing two healthy babies home, I wouldn't change a thing. I have been blessed with so many things- and the pain just happens to be a part of it. After all, you can't have a beautiful garden without a little rain...

It's Potty Party Time!

Cowen will be three in less than two weeks and potty training was NOT on his top-ten list of things he was interested in. But since he was the ONLY one his class not potty trained and we have not one free weekend until Spring Break, I figured it was time to kick this potty-training thing into full gear!
So Potty Party weekend kicked off in a big way... a letter from Mater! Cowen couldn't wait to look at all the goodies Mater left... A potty chart with Cars stickers, books, M&M's, cheerios, Cars juice boxes, party-blowers, and big boy underwear! He was ready to roll. We started Friday afternoon and things started fairly well. He wasn't too excited about it but it helped that we set the timer and he got to turn it off and on. When it went off and he didn't want to go, he helped his stuffed animal, Mr. Monkey, go first... then he would usually follow! ;) He was totally over it by Friday night so I was glad we started later in the day. Connor and Brynn were a huge help- they joined the party whenever it was time to celebrate! He was loving his Cars sticker chart. He couldn't wait to fill it up so he could see what Mater brought him!

He woke up dry in the morning and had a couple of accidents, but overall Saturday and Sunday went great!

I didn't think two days was going to be enough so I took Monday off work. We just played, peed, pooped... and had a ball! It was great to have time completely devoted to just him. It's so easy to get caught up in the chaos that is life. I'm definitely guilty of half-way listening to Connor when he is telling me about a book he's reading or telling Brynn 'just a minute' when she wants me to color with her or letting Cowen watch movies in the car instead of talking with him. These past few days were a good reminder to really plug in... and have fun! :)

Who says you can't eat ice cream for dinner?!

Life is better with ice cream. It's a fact. Sometimes ice cream sundaes for dinner are just what the doctor ordered! Overall I feel like I've done a decent job as a mom (a B according the parenting teacher in college). There are a lot of things I've done an okay job of, but when it comes to food, I'm failing. My kids are REALLY picky and they eat too much junk. But, you know, tonight I just really didn't care. I wanted to stop life and make ice cream sundaes with my kids! And THAT is just what we did! Connor's chocolate-caramel milkshake mustache. Goofball! ;)

Sweet...or spoiled???

Poor sweet Cowen has been feeling yucky the past couple of days. He was running a fever Friday afternoon, threw up all over me Friday evening, had a horribe barking cough Friday night, and was at the the walk-in clinic by 10:00 am Saturday. We stayed home Monday but he wasn't really resting well- I think the steroids really threw him for a loop! Although he was tired I took him to school hoping he could make it through the day. By 8:15 he was practically falling asleep standing up so Papa Bob came to get him for a day of R&R. The boy slept all.day. Like literally from 9:00-3:00! Poor little guy was beat! Hopefully he is finally on the mend...

While we're on the subject of Cowen, am I the only one who can't wrap my brain around the fact that this child is about to be THREE?!?! When did this happen?? I'm afraid my entire family may be in need of a reality check. I think we all still look at him as our baby.. yes, all FOUR of us! I think I realized we had a problem the other night when Brynn and Cowen were going to bed. (And yes- Brynn sleeps in his bed with him almost every single night- we have since changed the rules to 'weekends only' so we can try to get that little booger to sleep earlier!) Cowen asked Brynn to do something and she politely told him no. He looked at me- totally shocked- "Mommy, Brynn told me no!" Obviously this is not something he is used to hearing very often! ;) Yes- we spoil him rotten and love him to pieces and I'm pretty sure he thinks he is the center of the universe. Part of me thinks we need to get this in check so I don't raise a selfish, narcissistic, ego-maniac... But then the other part of me knows that this baby, uh, kid, knows with every fiber of his being that he is LOVED, that he is special, that his light brings our family a joy that we can't ever imagine life without...

This picture is from this past summer but it's one of my favorites! :) We sure do LOVE this boy!

Here we go!

Well, I've been throwing around the idea of a blog for a long time but have not really actually had the time... or mental energy... to make it like I wanted. Well, with the help of a very tech-savy best friend and a little 'free' time at home on a sick day for my boys... VOILA! I'm super excited to finally be a part of the blogging world. I have recently discovered that writing is verrrrrry therapeutic for me so heads up... you may find yourself reading funny kid stories one day and tearful, soul-spilling, more-information-than-you-wanted-to-know entries the next. Consider yourself warned! ;)

One thing is for certain, our life as a family is full of ups and downs. We never know what the day will bring. But amid the chaos that is life- the sick kids, lost debit cards, missed appointments, business trips, fast-food dinners and laundry piles- We find joy. No matter what. It isn't always easy, but it is a journey that I am thankful for every. single. day.

Looking Back on 2011...

Had an amazing time in Maui Wowie!

Connor (and mom!) survived starting middle school this year!

Christmas lights on the square with the Woodruffs and Nowlins

THE sock monkey hat! ;)

A runner like her Papa

Happy Birthday Brynnie!

First Day of 6th grade and 3rd grade

Woodland Christmas program

Making a visit to someone very special! ;)

Family Movie Night

LOTS of snow at the new house in February!

Watching the Hogs beat A&M in Dallas

Lots of fun on Uncle John and Aunt Stephanie's boat!