Our Greatest Catch

Time doesn't make it better

2017-05-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

2 years...2 long yet fast years. 2 years since our Nana, Shirley Stephenson, went home to Jesus. I still have the same thought, and still want to ignore it. But I made a promise and by goodness I don't want that feisty red head haunting me.

I did think that if I didn't mention it this year, just maybe the pain wouldn't be so hard. Yet I know it is not easier. My babies feel the pain every time they read a book about a Nana, see a picture of Nana or after Gigi leaves our house. I definitely worry about my tenderhearted Jaden. The emotion overtakes him and it literally breaks our hearts. And Charleigh has a way of always asking questions that cut you to the core, why didn't I get to keep my Nana and other kids gets to keep their's? Yea even the counselor in me doesn't know how to answer that one.

So year 2, you are still so painful. I cry as I write this yet I know I must capture these feelings. One day my children will need this. They still look at her pictures every night, listen to her voice on our recordings and recall their favorite Nana memories. Yet year 2 wasn't any easier, if nothing else it was harder. Thinking of the times we wished Nana would be here and see all the firsts. I can imagine her cheering on her "cup of tea" Jaden at soccer games and laughing at Charleigh as she plays dress up. I can see that look she gives them, her I'm so proud of those babies...these are things that I am so sad that my babies are missing out on. Hence why I picked these pictures this year. She adore Jaden and Charleigh and for that I am thankful.

So year 2, you bite. We did get a few things finally taken care of. And yes it is a process that we are not rushing. For year 2, we have put the date on your bronze plaque and Uncle Josh went and put it out for us in May. We are still scared and heartbroken to visit your grave site. Honestly, I am scared of how I will be able to hold it together with #myjoymymess completely falling apart. In February of year 2, we cried in Nana's kitchen as the reality hit that we were finally renting out her home, 21 months after Nana went to heaven. Year 2 was hard and we took some baby steps.

Nana, I hope we have made you proud. We know you are watching us from Heaven and I hope you can see how Jaden and Charleigh will never forget you.

Teleport Barbie

2017-01-01T22:26:00.001-06:00

Charleigh received from Santa the Barbie Dream House which she has been begging for this entire year. She is amazing at make believe and what girl doesn't need a 3 foot tall house to play with her barbies?

After week 1, I am sad to report that the elevator is not working. Yes I have googled it, yes I have tried and yes I am almost to the point of asking the neighbors if they can help again. (Yes again. They saved John's life with all 4 of them putting it together to help out Santa. Yes 5 adults!)

So as I looked at it one more time, unscrewed the 5 magic screws again, Charleigh told me that Jaden came up with the solution. Of course he did, I thought.

Charleigh says "Jaden says my Barbies just teleport from the 1st to 3rd floor. It makes them cooler."

Thank God for her gift of make believe and thank God for her brother's logic.
#myjoymymess

Chess yes Chess

2016-12-08T21:04:00.002-06:00

Chess...yes Chess. Now this is something that I just can't understand no matter how many books I have read. And yes I have purchased a few, maybe 5. Even this one, Beat Dad in Chess There's no shame in my game, competition is a guiding force in my world.

So when Jaden picked up the game, Dad had to be the teacher and competitor. Every night, they play. It's their thing, their bond. Even though I want to be part of it, I just can't. Charleigh tries too yet we are not on their level.

Tonight, his persistence and passion paid off. Please note this was OUR first competitive activity that individual winners would be announced. This entire week, we talked about the importance of having fun and just doing your best. Heck we even had the elf in on this.

So tonight, I showed up at SCE to pick him up and saw the big white pieces of paper when 1-6 on them for each category. I shall not lie, my heart skipped a beat. My mind raced, do I just pick him up and tell him we can't stay to see who won. We do have to pick up Charleigh at dance which is a whole another post about Mommy Fails. (Thank you again J for coming to my rescue)

Some tidbits from our conversation before he found out the results:

**If I get 4th, 5th or 6th place, I will be so happy.

**If I don't place it is okay, I should of studied harder.

**I did have 1 en passant question, I know I got that one right.

**The ten minutes I read that new book you received last night might of helped.

**When she was reading the instructions, I prayed the entire time. God knows what is best if I don't place.

Sidenote: And the most important thing that happened during this 30 minute wait was the DSX (some type of gaming thing) was just laying on table. He watched it and then said "Mom, I need to go turn that into my principal because it is the right thing to do. I don't want that kid to lose it." Yes I watched with tears in my eyes as he walked it up to the principal. He came to that conclusion all on his own, heck the kid is pure golden.

As you can imagine at this point, I just want to grab his backpack and walk out. "Let's go get Charleigh and you can find out tomorrow." Heck I am already proud that he turned in the gaming thingy, the UIL Chess thing is just an extra. Also I am sure his teachers could say something magical if he doesn't win. I had every emotion from happy, angry, sad and worry just thinking about if he didn't win.

You will never believe what happens next, we were walking out and I noticed the lady was writing names again...on the Chess Sign Wall. My heart stopped completely. How will I handle this? What if he doesn't place? He is so sensitive, he is so smart. I am so competitive, where's John? He could handle this. So we stop in our tracks in front of the make shift concession stand. I now have those tears in my eyes, I can feel them. Then I see she is writing next to the #1...breathe now. "J" Heck, a J really. Almost every kid's name start with a J..."A D" Holy Moly...does that say 1. Jaden Stephenson

And then I look over and he has his hand over his mouth, pure sweet humble pride. He is surprised and shocked. And so proud. My kid, 1st place, UIL Chess, a 2nd grader with a mom who doesn't know a thing about Chess and a dad with the basic moves.

As we were checking him out, I wish I would have my wits, I would of videotaped this moment. His AP asked how did it go buddy? Jaden replied "I got 1st place in Chess, I am so proud." Heart melt and a moment saved in my heart forever.

He was so excited to call dad and tell him the awesome news and then of course face time Gigi, Auntie and Crazy Pat to share the excitement. Of course I let him read the facebook posts and he smiled. We then talked about would he get a ribbon, medal, maybe a trophy? "And you know mom I can keep that trophy because I earned it, it's not one of those participation ones that everyone gets." Jaden is already asking about when can he do it again...yes I am on the hunt for chess camps now and another book for me so maybe I can learn a few quick moves.

I am so thankful and proud of my little man. I also know what it means to love someone so much it hurts. Waiting to see how he did reminded me that these are the moments we live for. The reason why I do what I do. So proud and I am so excited to see what is next for you. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Now off to finish reading my book, How to be the best chess player in the school, volume 2.

My Tribe

2016-05-10T21:25:00.001-05:00

One of the lessons I hope my children learn from me is to find their tribe and love them hard.

This morning I got a text that literally stopped me in my tracks. Yes I stopped as I was driving and just stared at my phone screen. Thank goodness we were still in the neighborhood and it was 7 am. It was from my mom and it just stated I need to pray for Stephanie, she is in the hospital. My sister, Stephanie, my first real friend and the one I know would do anything for me at the drop of a hat. She would give you her shirt if you asked. She is strong headed and doesn't care if you don't like her opinions. She walks to the beat of her own drum. She loves her children more than anything and spoils Charleigh and Jaden with little trinkets and games. God gave me a one of kind sister and my kids are blessed to have one super cool aunt.

We don't have a diagnosis just yet but we know it is something neurological. I have a thousand questions and thoughts that not even google can answer. She is my sister, she is a member of my tribe. I want answers so I know what to do for her and her boys & Jonathan.

And tonight after getting off the phone with Mom, I saw my calming lightning bugs. I always feel God is talking to me when I see them. They sit under the tree in the neighbor's yard. So I took a breath and gave it to the Lord. He will carry you though this my dear Stephanie and He will help your tribe know exactly what to do and how to support you and your boys and Jonathan. This is what having a tribe is for.: to pray for you, love you and help you.

We love you and Jesus please do your thing.

Charleigh Chronicles, age 5

2016-05-10T20:29:00.000-05:00

Mother's day...not my favorite holiday and it seems Charleigh has a lot of questions for Gigi on this day.

Questions included:
1. Why is Pappy not married?
2. When will he get married? He is alone and that is very sad.
Gigi then explained that she was once married to Pappy. You could see Charleigh and Jaden so confused and full of questions. I had to assure them this was a grown up thing and I would explain to them when they were older.
3. Can you marry Pappy again? I don't like him being alone.
Then Gigi had to explain to her that she was married to Pat. Charleigh also responded, "you two have Lucy". I almost think she thinks Lucy is their child.
4. How long will you survive Gigi?
This question made Gigi quickly change the subject.

Her little brain at age 5 is full of such wonder and compassion...please don't ever change my wild child.

Charleigh Chronicles, age 5

2016-05-09T20:24:00.003-05:00

Charleigh has a reputation to ask questions that makes people stop in their steps and just wonder how and why does she think like she does. I capture all of her thoughts/questions in her jar titled Charleigh Chronicles. And I also think some of them are blog worthy.

Recently, Charleigh has been come obsessed with people who live under the bridge. She learned about the people who live under the bridge when we went with Mimi, Aunt B, Amy and the girls to see 100 years of Disney in Houston at Reliant Stadium. When Jaden asked about them, I quickly replied it was people who didn't make good choices. Charleigh insisted that we should do something for them. And this is where it all started. Any time we go under an overpass, she asks about the people. I tell her about shelters and how we can create care packages for them. And yes we do just that. One afternoon on a drive home, she told me her heart just aches for the bridge people. Aches-how does a 5 year old know this concept? You can see it in her eyes, she is serious about this. As her mother, I cannot wait to see where this passion leads her. This summer I am excited to volunteer in our community with her...feeding her passion at 5.

And I am not so fond of Mother's Day this year

2016-05-08T08:03:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, I love being the mother of Jaden and Charleigh. They are #myjoymymess. I am blessed beyond words to be their mom. And my mom-she is my rock, my cheerleader, my example. And wait a second, I have a Ma also who loves me like her own without a question. Yes my cup runneth over, this Mother's Day holiday should be magnificent.

Today is the one year angelversary that Jesus took our beloved Nana. Dear Baby Jesus, why in the heck did all this lined up like this? Oh Nana, we miss you and we love you so!

I have dreaded this day for months because watching my John and my babies hearts hurt breaks my heart. Yes breaks mine completely. I still remember the last few hours with Nana. I remember holding her hand and holding my John's hand. I remember her last words of telling John she loved him. I remember when we told the kids and that cry that I had never heard out of them ever before. The pain is so fresh still. I don't like to see my loved ones hurt and there is nothing I can do but just cry and pray. And I also see the pain when Jaden goes through his Nana pictures by his bed and asks questions. I see Charleigh as she asked about Nana memories and when is she going to see Nana. All of it is still so hard. And it has been a year of firsts. Some we talk about and some we "post" about as Jaden says and some we just let go unsaid.

Other reasons why today is so hard is the damn headstone. This thing has been a thorn in my side. Yet I know it keeps Nana always on my mind and always on my Action Items. A few weeks ago, I was tired of waiting for Klein's to call me back so I had this brilliant idea that I would just go unscrew the date plaque. An hour later, I realized that I didn't bring the right screwdriver and rust can create a real struggle. After asking some machine shop guys in Plantersville for every tool that I knew the name of and trying while the creepy cows mooed at me, I gave up. Well, I didn't really give up, I called my brother and he came to the rescue. Then another week passed of phone calls and phone tag of what to do with it next...needless to say I know all the employees of Kleins Funeral Home now. Finally, my mom said she would not quit calling or talking until she found someone that could tell us our next steps. Things to note: Bronze headstones are a level of difficulty and if you have a joint head stone, just adding the death date is not as easy as it sounds. So now Becky (I think she is the one that finally listened) will help us keep a date on her headstone. Oh wait, she works half days so really not sure but I will keep calling. And at the end of the day as I think about it, I am not ready still and it scares me to see that final touch. And then to think about my John and his heart...I can feel and sense his pain. And I absolute dread the questions, tears and thoughts that my Jaden and Charleigh will have. Just to note also, every time I ask either John or the kids if they want to go, they all either get super quiet and disappear or cry for hours...this pain is heart wrenching.

So this mother's day, just like last's year, we held on to each other a little tighter and just rested. I cried in private of course because I couldn't bring it up to my babies. I was selfish today, I didn't want to hurt their hearts. Yet tonight as I tucked Charleigh in bed, she asked did Daddy send Nana a gift in heaven? The tears poured out with no hopes of hiding them.

We miss you Nana and we are keeping your memory alive without a doubt.So to others who have felt this pain, I am so sorry. I really don't know how you keep it all together. I have learned what is means to truly love someone more than yourself through this. I have learned what is means to hurt because someone else hurt. Oh Nana, we love you and hope you had an amazing mother's day in heaven.

Bad kid moment and gut feelings

2016-04-20T23:28:00.002-05:00

This happen every once in a while and I am just now at the age of 30 something understanding it. My mom calls it her mojo, I call it my gut hurt feeling. Yes literally I get a burning sensation in my stomach and yes a different burning from just stress or ulcer as you are thinking.

I woke up with it this morning. It hurt bad. I couldn't put my finger on it though why. Usually I know why and just ask God to guide me to understand and do exactly what HE wants me to do. At first, I thought maybe I was not suppose to make my drive to work in the Aldine area because of the possible rain and additional flooding. (For my kids when they read this in 10 years, we just had crazy flooding again in Houston and have been out of school for 2 days)

Yes of course I just drove to work (I told you I am just understanding this gut hurt feeling) and dived into college advising sessions-yes the busiest time of the year for me!

Then I saw a missed call from an unknown number and then a call from Ashley...hmm that was odd and then I got a text. "Dad is in Conroe hospital, he broke his femur." I stopped everything, closed my laptop and responded "I'm on my way."

Today I realized that my commute is something that I am starting to not like. Today confirmed that 1 hour away from my loved ones does not make me feel good. Yet that is another a blog post.

I got to the ER to see Dad and he has his arm in a wrap of some sort and he is covered. I think to myself is it his good leg? How did this happen? The questions are swarming. Yet I can see the fear in his face and I just file away my questions and tell him everything will be okay.

And then he starts to tell how this had happened. Here it goes for memory sake from Dad's mouth and the thoughts that I had in ()
"I had gone out any played 9 ball (a pool game I assume) and won $300 and was having a good night. (Dad is not a pool shark or at least that is what he tells us-I still need to investigate this) He couldn't sleep so he was up at 3:30 am and went to put something in the trash can and fell. (Note to self: hide all trash cans when dad visits) He fell hard and he knew he was hurt. He couldn't stand up and barely move. He also realized that his phone was across the room from him. This is where I realize my dad is gritty. (Yes Prep vocab word) He used the mop handle to hold his broken leg up and pushed himself across the floor. (WTH? How did you even think about this solution?) He didn't get to the door until 6:30 am. (3 hours-are you sure dad?-yes the question didn't stay in my head) Yes, I am sure, I have the blisters on the back of my foot to show. it. (Yes at this point, I wanted to climb in a hole. Why did I never think of this as a possibility-he does have a prosthetic foot and has had so many back surgeries and problems I don't even know the number. We will be the poster children for life alert now. Also dad, can you just say you were in a bar fight or something else?)
Questions I asked:
How in the world did the paramedics get to him, did they bust his door down?

I had my door cracked open because I wanted to get some fresh air. (DAD! It was 3 am and you don't live in the best part of town

Did you try to get your neighbor's attention?

Yea I banged on the wall around 5 am because that is the time she says she wakes up. I guess she slept in today.

Do we need to go lock up your house?

No, the nice paramedic turned everything off, got my wallet, cell phone and keys for me and locked everything up.

Things Dad said today to the doctors as they were checking him out

Yea I just shot off my foot because I didn't have anything better to do today. (Yes he literally did do this but not because he had nothing better to do)
Here is my list of things I need you to go pick up: My pill box which is also a plastic shoe box holder, e-cigs, juice for e-cigs, chargers for everything including his blue tooth, blue jean shorts for when I go home, both parts of my prosthetic, the basic clothing essentials and some food.
You mean the scar will be from my knee cap to hip when you put in the rod. Doctor replied, no just 2 incisions.

(More to come, I have to sleep now and rest up for tomorrow)

Super Bowl 50 and little boy

2016-02-08T09:13:00.001-06:00

It does not get much better to this. I was never a big football watching fan until I watch Jaden commentate a game. His excitement and energy is contagious. His love and drive for the game is one of a kind. Age 7 and so full of so much football knowledge.

Last night before the big game, Jaden approached me a with a proposition.

Jaden: I would like to bet $800 on the Panthers.

Me: Are you sure? Do you have that much in your piggy bank?

Jaden: Hmm...okays let's bet $7

Yes I took the $7 bet with you little man and secretly wanted your team to win. (Yes that is what moms do) Yet I won! And being that we are so competitive, I will connect the $7 and then of course somehow give it back to him. Life lessons learned!

Chick Peas

2016-02-08T08:56:00.001-06:00

We are always trying something new. Yet some days I am met with great sarcasm and hesitation. It took all my might not to laugh as Jaden was desparately trying to convince me that he didn't like chick peas.

Jaden: Mom, the last 5 chick peas I have ate were disgusting. Do I have to try the next 7?

I love your reasoning skills Jaden and pray that it serves you well in your future career plans whatever that might be. But always remember, they will never work on mom.

The Tree 2015

2015-12-15T22:44:00.000-06:00

We are a few days behind but we are slowly getting there! The tree is decorated with all of our favorite memories. My favorite little thing is how Jaden and Charleigh group the ornaments together.

And yes John's buck finally made it into the house! Miracles happen daily! We are living proof!

#KnockGIVEandRun

2015-12-14T22:43:00.001-06:00

It is that time of the year again! Knock, give and run!
This year we have chosen 5 families to give 12 days of Christmas JOY to with nightly gifts!

Day 1---yes you need your wings to run fast! And did you notice Jaden's hair cut that he gave himself?

Day 1--This is hard on Monday nights but we do in all in style and with lots of joy! Tonight we share some of our favorite games with people!

Charleigh Chronicles and Nana, December 12, 2015

2015-12-14T22:36:00.003-06:00

This holiday season has been different without our Nana. It is always the little things from trying to make her chocolate pie to buying the smoked turkey that we miss. The things that also tug at my heart is when the kids mention something that grabs my heart strings and pulls hard, super hard.

This happened right before her Christmas recital at her school this week. As I walked into Charleigh's class and her teacher started to tell me that Charleigh was sad. Immediately I assured her that I was only a few minutes late and of course I was going to help her and her friends get ready. Then Ms. Ruth told me the real reason. Charleigh was upset because she watched all of the grandparents walk in and she knew her Nana would not be here this year. Yes grab this tissues.

Ms. Ruth like she does so many times saved the day. She assured Charleigh that Nana had the best seat in the house and would be watching from heaven. Yes I thank God daily for Ms. Ruth!

These are the things I hate that my children have to learn about so young. Yet, I know Nana is watching over us and next time you see my little ones, hug them a little tighter because they have a lot going on in their little heads right now.

Charleigh's Christmas Recital 2015

2015-12-14T22:16:00.002-06:00

!!!!

2015-08-19T10:33:00.002-05:00

Jaden: Tomorrow we have an after school party. I am not sure what is most excited about this.
Me: What do you mean?
Jaden: On the board, it says "After school party" with 2 exclamation marks. Seriously mom, what can be so excited that it needs 2 exclamation marks.

This child challenges me daily and reminds to pay attention to the little things. I also appreciate his teacher, Mrs. Jenna, who has given him such a strong academic foundation. I am definitely looking forward to his stories tonight about the double exclamation mark day!

Nana's stone

2015-05-05T14:54:00.001-05:00

Jaden asked on our car ride to school on Monday, "who is going to make Nana's stone?" It took me a minute to get it and then I realized he was talking about her headstone.

"Can we go and clean it every week? Maybe we can also clean up the other ones since their families are too busy."

Jaden's Nana prayer

2015-05-05T14:52:00.003-05:00

One day I will have the strength to write about you, my precious Jaden, and how you reacted to learning about Nana going home to Jesus.

We had just brought Nana home to her house and my John had taken our little man outside to explain what was happening.
Pause-will write more about this later. Space holder.

Gigi took the kids home to Montgomery and was our saving grace. As they were getting ready for dinner, Jaden decided to say dinner prayer.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for taking care of Nana and Jesus you are about to get a good Nana so be ready to accept her. Amen

Nana Love

2015-05-05T14:37:00.000-05:00

Time flies so quickly and I wish I had a pause button to slow all of this down. I am not prepared for this and I honestly do not think I could of prepared for all of this. I rest my faith in Jeremiah 29:11 and prayers though. Yes this is my mantra and what I have to repeat to myself.

In the last six months, our little JC Squared world has been topsy turvy. This past December 2014, our Nana was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to her pancreas and liver. As you can only imagine, our world stopped. I vividly remember my John's call that morning and I dropped everything to head to MD Anderson with him and Nana. On that day I knew exactly what is felt like to love someone so much that it hurt. Then the anger that came when MD Anderson let us know that they didn't accept the type of insurance she had. And yes my poor mom who I yelled at as I was walking to the parking garage to get the car and told her to just "Fix it now." My mom, our Gigi, did her magic and in 2 hours we had our next plan, Dr. Crow in Tomball would help.

So for the last 5 months, John took our Nana to get blood work and chemo treatments every week. Watching our feisty, red head Nana continue to love on our Charleigh and Jaden was our priority. I have so many precious memories stored in my heart and on my camera of their fun filled days, book reading and good night kisses. I pray everyday they remember her special lipstick kisses and her one of a kind Nana love. Yes I am capturing as much as I can on the blog because one day, I know you will have questions and I want to have it all in writing for you both.

On April 24th, Nana and dad went to the get results from a recent scan. Dr. Crow was shocked as she announced her tumors had shrunk to half the size in both her lung and pancreas. Praise God! With her little frame (a mere 75 pounds), they did not expect for her to have such amazing results. Yes we were on cloud nine.

On the other hand, a few details to note. Nana was very insistent on not having her brain scanned. She did not want to know if it had spread to her brain and also didn't want to have radiation treatments. We respected her wishes and completely understood.

And this is where God let us know He is completely in control and we had to trust in His plan. Originally, we had planed a get together for this Saturday to do some of Nana's favorite things. Crawfish and crappie fish...does it get any better. Needless to say we didn't know the twist. John picked up Nana on Thursday for her normal bloodwork and said something was very different.

Friday, John took Nana to the Tomball Hospital to figure out what was going on. Thanks to good ol' google, I originally thought maybe it is just an UTI or something with her medicine. I remember John asking her questions like "who is the president" and her reply was JFK. And then he'd ask "who is his wife? " She quickly reply Jackie O. Yes it was all a little much for all to grasp. The doctors ran a full scan and discovered that the cancer had spread to her brain. And as we held her hand, we knew her wishes of no radiation treatment and no knowledge of the brain cancer. I will admit that was the hardest part and the part that I leaned on the strength of John.

Saturday was a complete blur as the reality all set in. She referred to me as Mrs. John. I will never be able to thank the people who just stopped everything they were doing and helped us through the day. Uncle Josh for taking our Miss Charleigh for the day. Gigi coming in from Corpus to help us transition her home and be the rock for our children. Amanda for coming in from Louisiana to help us with care taking and making Nana comfortable. Terrie for taking Jaden and letting him be a kid and having his first spend the night camp out. The numerous texts, calls and visits....they carried us through the day.

So now we are in the part of honoring all of her wishes. We took her home on Sunday morning with the priority of making her as comfortable as possible. As my John says "Jesus is calling her home."

Let it go!!

2014-11-17T14:50:00.001-06:00

My loves

2014-11-17T14:49:00.001-06:00

4 & 6 yr old check up

2014-11-17T14:29:00.001-06:00

Where does all the time go? Despite being late on our check ups, it is amazing to see how fast they are growing physically and mentally! We are blessed!

Eli is 6!!!

2014-10-08T19:52:00.002-05:00

Where is the time is going?

Eli turned 6 this week! We celebrated with a pool party at the Moffitt casa and the kids enjoyed their last swim for the year.

I am super thankful and blessed that my son gets to grow up with my BFF's son...#bestlife

Little brother Aiden

Jaden

The birthday boy, Eli

Everyone need a Poppy!

Pinanta Time

The birthday boy

Love these 2

Annual birthday Family picture

Love this little look I captured of the growing birthday boy.

Little brothers!

and little sisters!

I wish I could capture this but it was the first time I watch Jaden "flirt".

Double trouble

Charleigh hanging with the big girls

I can hear the ocean.

Check out my new nose!

Jaden waiting "patiently".

The gift Jaden picked out for his dear friend, Eli.

Cousins & Future troublemakers

2014-10-08T19:15:00.001-05:00

Last week, we took time to honor Aunt Ashley's mom who recently passed away. During the memorial, Charleigh and Kyle had a little trouble staying still and quiet. Charleigh wanted a Mcdonald's cup and talking quietly in still in not her vocabulary.

So I volunteered to take them outside. It was exactly what all three of us needed. I was reminded to slow down, play "I spy", enjoy tight squeezes and surround yourself with people that make you happy. These two had their own special moments that day and I can just imagine the trouble they might get into the future. Cousins have to be one of the best gifts from God.

From the mouth of babes

2014-09-17T12:08:00.001-05:00

This morning, I was telling the kids that I was leaving for NACAC tomorrow in Indiana. She responded "I'm not sure I like that."

Yep stealing her phrase...learning how to give feedback from a 4 year old

Charleigh's Birthday Week: 4

2014-09-07T14:03:00.002-05:00

It's happening, she is turning 4. It doesn't matter how much I cry, throw a fit, make bargains with God, this is happening. Time is flying, the memories are endless and so are the laughs and smiles.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself. God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave me this free spirit who loves life but challenges every part of it. Her favorite phrases are "why" and "right, mom". Her favorite color is purple. Best friend is Carsyn and her brother. She loves Doc Mcstuffins and adores anything that allows her to be outside. When she grows up, "I want to be Doc Mcstuffins Doctor and have a phone." She loves to dress herself and has an unique style for lack of better words.

Charleigh still has her gluten and dairy allergy. And her trade mark cutting her eyes is still happening. She is in Pre-K at Grace Lutheran and adores her class.

What is in store for Miss Priss? Charleigh will continue dance and tap this year. One thing I know for sure there is nothing that will get in this child's way. Her tenacity and persistence is what challenges me some days but I adore all of the time!

We love you Charleigh and please keep your fire burning bright!