Remembering

On Friday we had the privilege of remembering sweet Elisha, one year since he passed away.

It was a night filled with laughter and tears, hope for the future and remembrance of that little life that touched so many.

I was bracing myself for it all day. I applied my waterproof mascara and had my pockets stocked with tissues.

But it was surprising.

It was hopeful.

There is joy in knowing that Elisha can breathe freely and not struggle. He can run and move and play.

He is being loved on by our Heavenly Father, just waiting for us to join him.

So much hope and peace surrounds that little guy.

It always surprises me.

After a short thanks and remembrance by the parents and then a quick scripture reading by the pastor, all the kids released orange balloons in honor of Elisha.

Orange was his color.

And while tears were being wiped away, faces were smiling as they watched those bright orange balloons drift towards the heavens.

Because really, it was kind of a celebration.

Elisha has been in Heaven one whole year.

I am sure he is celebrating there.

And thinking about Elisha celebrating in Heaven makes me smile.

But I will tell you one thing.

You hold your babies closer and kisses their sweet faces when you stand around a baby cemetery. It was truly bittersweet. I heard my kids and their friends running and laughing in the field behind us, while I stood there, among tiny grave markers with toy cars, stuffed animals and dates that were much, much too close together.

Life is far too precious and far too short to miss out on those moments.

Because even in grief and heartache, there is SO much to be thankful for.

Awkward and Awesome Thursday.

~Awkward~


- It was 80 degrees the first day of Spring. What's the problem? That means here in VA it will be hot for the next EIGHT solid months. That is a lot of hot. I like my cool.

- My husband is obsessed with plastic storage bins. It is out of control. He keeps buying more and more. He needs an intervention. When you get text messages about going to Target to look at their organization section, you know there is a problem.

 - While driving to work, Jack tells me that he and his little buddies were talking naughty together the night before. I asked him what they said. "We just said....chicken butt...to each other over and over."

- Walking in heels after doing a kickboxing bootcamp dvd...and trying to look more like a professional and less like a penguin.

-Colin's obsession of lifting up my shirt and blowing raspberries on my back...no matter where we are...

-Having an entire weekend ruined by pink eye and a bad arm infection. Cabin fever was in effect.

- Colin finding a puddle with 1/4inch worth of water...and managing to get soaked from head to toe...



~Awesome~

- Wearing a new dress. It's the best dress.

- Jack telling me that I am his favorite mom in the whole world.

- The damp metallic smell of a television studio.

- Boy moms having a GIRL baby! So excited to shop for a new little lady.

-The flowering trees of Virginia. They may leave a ridiculous amount of pollen, but they are oh, so pretty!

 -Chubby little hands that grab mine and lead me to the floor just to play.

- Jack telling me that he needs just one more hug and kiss...and to make them nice, big ones.

- Mint Chocolate cupcake recipe...I sure hope they turn out!

We are one man down this weekend, so just trying to stay sane and keep those boys busy. Hope everyone is gearing up for a great weekend!

Spring is Here!

Achoo!

Spring is here.

With a vengeance.

This spring has released a whole bunch of allergies at our house.

We did make it outside to enjoy the beautiful weather for a little while, before the itchy eyes and running noses took over and forced us into the house.

It was fun while it lasted!

We are expecting some rain, so I am hoping that will calm down some of this pollen.

We are all ready to get back to the great outdoors and enjoy this beautiful spring!

Have a great weekend.

Frivolous Friday

  Babe in a box. Frivolity for your Friday

10 Frivolous Facts for your Friday

1. The best way to wake Colin up is to pour a cup of freshly grounded, freshly brewed coffee. The second that last drop fills the cup, Colin is up and yelling for me. It's his gift.

2.  I wear bright red lipstick during the day. It goes nicely with my messy bun and sweatpants. However, I do feel more prepared in case someone shows up unexpected with it on. No make-up? Baggy sweatpants? Messy house and hair? No problem. I have red lipstick on.

3. We are recovering and repainting and varnishing our dining room chairs. This has been going on for the last 3 weeks. Let's pray it is finished this weekend!

4. I am re-reading the Anne of Green Gables series. Still love it.

5. We are still waiting to hear some news. At this point, it is fairly certain that we are just staying put here...but it is super annoying to still have to wait for the 100% assurance.

6. I like that it is cool and raining. I am not ready for a blazing hot summer just yet.

7. I have a gym buddy now. I have now doubled my gym attendance. So that means I have gone twice in one week, two weeks in a row! Now, let's hope my weight/inches loss is going to double!

8. I would prefer to kiss and cuddle my boys on the couch all day today. They prefer to wrestle.

9. I washed not one, but two pull-ups today. Have you ever seen an exploded diaper? Yep. That was a fun treat.

10. I am just so glad it is Friday. I am ready for the weekend. I am ready to have my Husband home.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Real Life: The Orginal Awkward and Awesome.

Guys.

Life has been awkward lately. Real awkward. We are in a weird space right now. Change is possibly on the horizon. Big changes.

Or things can remain the exact same.

Big changes. Exactly the same. Those are two options that we have.

Change is good. The same is good.

Right now, we are in the awkward middle place called the unknown.

Unknown is driving me a bit batty.

So my mind is consumed with swirling "What ifs" at the moment.

I have no more brain power to blog anything remotely witty or interesting. Ten lines of "What If" interests no one, including myself.

But before I turn into that crazy lady with the one eye twitch, I am trying to remember that no matter what happens, life is still pretty awesome.

Someone got his first pair of light up shoes!

We took a wonderful family shopping trip to Richmond!

And regardless, these guys are mine whether things change or remain the exact same.

 

And that is awesome.