Do you periodically delete all the names of those long lost friends and co-workers listed in your cell phone? Every once in a while, I delete old contacts and it brings me some relief to know my phone list is not so overwhelming. However, for almost a year, I have put off deleting a contact. It just does not seem right to delete your dad from your phone list. I have passed his name almost every time I make a call. I know he is not here, but it brought some comfort just to see the name "dad".
My dad was not much of a phone talker and it would come as a surprise when he did call to chat. I always loved hearing his voice and would make it my secret goal to keep him on the phone for longer then 5 minutes. I miss calling him. He would be first person to call when my car made "funny" noises. Many times I would hold the phone up to my car and he would recognize the sound and tell me what to do. He knew how to fix sinks and drains. He knew how to kill weeds and how to keep rain from coming through our doors. Thanks to him, I can not fix a darn thing because he always did it for me. Three days ago, I deleted that name that meant so much to me. No more calls will be made to that amazing man.
About a year ago, I stopped blogging. At that time, my dad was very sick. I was going back and forth to Michigan never knowing if it would be my last time seeing him. I was trying to take care of two little ones and my daddy. Trying to keep up with a blog was too much. You see, my dad loved reading the blogs about the kids. He would actually call when something was really funny to him. I knew reading my blog brought a smile to his face, even through his suffering. I was daddy's little girl and we always had a special connection. After he passed away, I just could not bring myself to blog. He was not there to read it, to call, to laugh.
God has taught me many lessons since dad passed away. Grieving is extremely difficult, but the process can teach us so much. As many of you know, God blessed us with new life shortly after dad's death. Her name is Reese and she fits perfectly in this family of ours. God is good and I am ready to blog about our crazy life, even if my dad is not here to read it.
Dad, you will always be on my mind when sharing stories of our little blessings. Oh how I would love for you to see how funny Riley continues to be or how cute our sweet little, active boy is. I long for you to meet our beautiful, precious little baby. I miss you more then words can express. I am looking forward to the day I can see your perfect, healthy body again. As for now, I desire to treasure the wonderful, sometimes long, hard, crazy, beautiful days here on earth.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Goodbye For Now.
This has been an awesome year! I started this blog a little over a year ago. I am so glad for all the stories, updates, and pictures of our two perfect miracles. About a year ago, our life seemed crazy, but amazing. Now, our life still seems crazy, but amazing. I love the memories.
I have decided that at this point in my life, I need to take a break from blogging, along with some other "modern" distractions that keep my attention away from my God, my family, and my friends. Thank you all for thinking that my blog is "interesting" enough to read! We will still have funny stories and updates on the kids, but will just need to invite you over for dinner to discuss them. :)
I have decided that at this point in my life, I need to take a break from blogging, along with some other "modern" distractions that keep my attention away from my God, my family, and my friends. Thank you all for thinking that my blog is "interesting" enough to read! We will still have funny stories and updates on the kids, but will just need to invite you over for dinner to discuss them. :)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
10 reasons we are blessed
These past couple of weeks have been a little rough for us. Currently all 4 of us are sick and sleep seems to be a thing of the past. There have been a lot of disappointments over the last week. Riley had a fever for 6 days, has a mild case of pneumonia, and has a double ear infection. Quinn has had a fever for 5 days and coughs and vomits much of the day and night. Thankfully he has tubes, so no ear infection for him yet. There has been lots and lots and lots of crying. I would be embarrassed to have anyone see our house. It is a disaster and I don't remember the last time I cleaned the bathrooms.
I think it is acceptable to admit that things are really hard sometimes. It seems like many of us, including myself, put on that ever so famous smile to show the world that we have it all together. Well guess what? We don't! Sometimes our situations just stink and it is ok to not have it all together, however, during those times we need God more then ever. No matter how tired, grumpy, sick we are, our God deserves praise. God has blessed our family with so much these past two weeks even though we are a mess! Below are just a few of the blessings we have been given.
1. We have adorable children. Even when they are sick and have snot all over their face and hair, they are the most beautiful children I have ever seen!
2. In the midst of his miserable cold, Quinn has learned the word "no". You may wonder why its a blessing. Well, its because he is so cute when he says it (for now). He says "no" in such a calm, quiet voice and it sounds more like "nooooooooooo". I have never heard it said so innocently.
3. We are blessed with Kleenex, medicine, doctors, and water. Those things are a luxury for so many.
4. We saved money on our grocery bill because none of us had appetites this week. Most importantly, we have the ability to buy groceries when we need them.
5. We have an amazing support system of family and friends who visit, babysit at the last minute (thanks Grandma Susan), call, and pray for us.
6. Even though I woke up at 4:30am today, I was able to have the luxury of taking a long, quiet, hot shower.
7. If Riley and Quinn were able to express their thankfulness, I am sure they would say they were thankful for the extra treats, cuddle time, and constant movie watching this week. I just asked Riley what she was thankful for and she said, "I'm thankful that brother is 4 and I am 9".
8. Mark was able to visit his brother from Texas last night. Mike made a surprise visit while traveling on business.
9. The middle of the night prayers and cuddling.
10. God's grace when we mess up.
I think it is acceptable to admit that things are really hard sometimes. It seems like many of us, including myself, put on that ever so famous smile to show the world that we have it all together. Well guess what? We don't! Sometimes our situations just stink and it is ok to not have it all together, however, during those times we need God more then ever. No matter how tired, grumpy, sick we are, our God deserves praise. God has blessed our family with so much these past two weeks even though we are a mess! Below are just a few of the blessings we have been given.
1. We have adorable children. Even when they are sick and have snot all over their face and hair, they are the most beautiful children I have ever seen!
2. In the midst of his miserable cold, Quinn has learned the word "no". You may wonder why its a blessing. Well, its because he is so cute when he says it (for now). He says "no" in such a calm, quiet voice and it sounds more like "nooooooooooo". I have never heard it said so innocently.
3. We are blessed with Kleenex, medicine, doctors, and water. Those things are a luxury for so many.
4. We saved money on our grocery bill because none of us had appetites this week. Most importantly, we have the ability to buy groceries when we need them.
5. We have an amazing support system of family and friends who visit, babysit at the last minute (thanks Grandma Susan), call, and pray for us.
6. Even though I woke up at 4:30am today, I was able to have the luxury of taking a long, quiet, hot shower.
7. If Riley and Quinn were able to express their thankfulness, I am sure they would say they were thankful for the extra treats, cuddle time, and constant movie watching this week. I just asked Riley what she was thankful for and she said, "I'm thankful that brother is 4 and I am 9".
8. Mark was able to visit his brother from Texas last night. Mike made a surprise visit while traveling on business.
9. The middle of the night prayers and cuddling.
10. God's grace when we mess up.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
How old are you?
Doesn't she look mature (and beautiful)?
I know I have mentioned this many times, but the "terrible twos" have actually been fairly easy for us. I think that is the case for two reasons:
1. She is an overachiever and had her rough patch at 16 months.
2. She is so stinkin funny!
Here are a few examples:
* For the past week, every time I ask her how old she is, she tells me she is 14. Really? I have no clue why she chooses 14 over all the numbers she knows. She does have some characteristics of a 14-year-old, but lets enjoy 2 for a while.
* Some of her new sayings include "Oh, boy", "Come on chicka", "That's disgusting", and "Brother, you listen to Riley".
* Yesterday I found Riley changing Quinn's diaper. At the ripe age of 2, she has taken the role of Quinn's mother. She also combs his hair, washes his face, spanks him, and has him sit on her lap.
* Quinn made a mess of his pudding and I was laughing at him. Riley was jealous so she spread pudding all over her face to get me to laugh at her.
* During dinner, Quinn fell backwards in his chair. As I was comforting him, Riley jumped out of her seat, made sure he was ok, ran to get a broom, then proceeded to sweep the crumbs from his booster seat.
* She calls Quinn, Quinton. We use that name too, but not very often.
I love that girl!
I know I have mentioned this many times, but the "terrible twos" have actually been fairly easy for us. I think that is the case for two reasons:
1. She is an overachiever and had her rough patch at 16 months.
2. She is so stinkin funny!
Here are a few examples:
* For the past week, every time I ask her how old she is, she tells me she is 14. Really? I have no clue why she chooses 14 over all the numbers she knows. She does have some characteristics of a 14-year-old, but lets enjoy 2 for a while.
* Some of her new sayings include "Oh, boy", "Come on chicka", "That's disgusting", and "Brother, you listen to Riley".
* Yesterday I found Riley changing Quinn's diaper. At the ripe age of 2, she has taken the role of Quinn's mother. She also combs his hair, washes his face, spanks him, and has him sit on her lap.
* Quinn made a mess of his pudding and I was laughing at him. Riley was jealous so she spread pudding all over her face to get me to laugh at her.
* During dinner, Quinn fell backwards in his chair. As I was comforting him, Riley jumped out of her seat, made sure he was ok, ran to get a broom, then proceeded to sweep the crumbs from his booster seat.
* She calls Quinn, Quinton. We use that name too, but not very often.
I love that girl!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Haircuts
We ventured out today to get haircuts. We went to a cute little barber shop in Leo. They are super cheap and so friendly!
She sat as still as I have ever seen her sit. I think she was just confused.
He did not sit still. I don't know how she did it.
Quinn looks so much older. A lot of his strawberry blond hair he was born with was cut off. Now he has light blond hair. A little sad, but still cute...
Riley's hair is cute. I will miss the pig tails, but it will be much easier to manage.
All in all, it went amazingly smooth considering the fact I took a 1 and 2 year old to get a haircut by myself.
She sat as still as I have ever seen her sit. I think she was just confused.
He did not sit still. I don't know how she did it.
Quinn looks so much older. A lot of his strawberry blond hair he was born with was cut off. Now he has light blond hair. A little sad, but still cute...
Riley's hair is cute. I will miss the pig tails, but it will be much easier to manage.
All in all, it went amazingly smooth considering the fact I took a 1 and 2 year old to get a haircut by myself.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Deals
I typically get annoyed when people take pictures of all their shopping deals, but I am sure it is just because I am jealous. Recently I have been working hard to save money on groceries and toiletries. It is very time consuming, however I know it is a great way to be a good steward of my money. This weekend I was able to get some good deals and took pictures to show to Mark. I don't think he was quite as excited as me, but Riley was very excited to get a new princess toothbrush. I hope this is the only time I do this...
Spent $13.00, got $10.00 back
Spent $18.00, got $13.00 back
This picture has nothing to do with shopping. It is just another example of Riley's clothes changing obsession. At least a bathing suit is appropriate for dish washing.
Spent $13.00, got $10.00 back
Spent $18.00, got $13.00 back
This picture has nothing to do with shopping. It is just another example of Riley's clothes changing obsession. At least a bathing suit is appropriate for dish washing.
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