October update

I win the "worst-blogger-ever" award...  Don't even try to top my non-posting record.  Can't be done!

Could these kids get any darn cuter??

They are busy, busy boys.  I know they are healthy and thriving.  We never have a dull moment around here...

After much prayer and consideration, I gave up homeschooling.

Cooper has been in traditional school now for almost a month.  We chose a private school, and he couldn't love it more.  I know it was the best (albeit, most difficult) decision we've made in the last couple of months.  I spent the first week crying all day while he was gone.  I have gotten past that!  Seeing how much he loves it, and really getting something "right", has been such a feeling of peace.  I am still in love with the idea of homeschooling.  It just didn't work out at this point in our lives. 

I love this time of year.  The leaves are becoming brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange.  I have a mug in my hand pretty much all day, and the windows are open constantly.  I LOVE Autumn.  October is one of my most favorite months! (With the exception of Halloween, I loathe Halloween.)  I wish it lasted much longer than it does.

Baby Girl is growing and doing well in my rapidly growing tummy.  She is a mover and a shaker, especially late night.  This concerns me.  I feel another night-owl joining our family! Eek!  :)  Every appointment we have had, she looks amazing and we've had nothing to be concerned about.  Praise God!

Several have heard the name that we've chosen, but for those that haven't... Lucy Jolie Nation will hopefully arrive the week between Christmas and New Year's.  That gives us 11 more weeks to grow even bigger.  Now that I keep all meals eaten in my stomach, I'm having no problem putting weight on.  Super. :)

So, that's a brief update.  Perhaps I will get on here again before Thanksgiving. (Perhaps not, too.)

Love & Laughter,
abby

My week of Pinterest

I'm a terrible blogger this Summer.  Really.  Completely behind.

There are posts I would love to do, but I'm going to be totally honest with myself.  They are not gonna happen.  Vacations.  Baby appointments.  {Baby GIRL due January 1st!!}  Cute children doing cute/ornery things.

Hopefully Autumn will be a better blogging season...

This week has been long.  My sweet husband has been gone for six days.  Six.  When he leaves for more than a night or two I suddenly feel as if I am missing an entire limb, maybe two.  He has my whole heart and I feel ridiculously sad when he isn't here.  I can handle the boys, the home, and all the crazy that comes in a week.  I just don't want to be without my partner, my best friend, my humor source.

So glad he is on his way home.

While he was absent, I decided to try several Pinterest ideas. 

Anyone else in love with Pinterest?

I mean, where else can you find a recipe for tonight's dinner, a way to clean everything in your house with homemade cleaners, a way to make toothpaste, and crazy expenisve outfits, put completely together for you, that you have no chance of ever being able to buy in entirety?

I am in love with Pinterest.

I happen to be 22 weeks pregnant.  Most of my Pinterest trys this week were... *ahem* - food related.




Why have I never thought of this?  I hate being splattered with bacon grease.  This was super easy and delicious!  Put the foil-lined pan in a cold oven.  Heat to 375 degrees, and bake for 20 minutes.  Yum.

chocchipcookie


Stop whatever you are doing right now and make these.  I'm not joking.  Cornstarch sounded completely weird, but it was completely delicious.  Seriously.  Go now.



I didn't love these.  It was a simple, easy snack.  Halve some strawberries, dip them in yogurt and freeze.  Sounds like it should be tasty.  Frozen strawberries are really difficult to eat, I've decided.  They are more delicious blended up in a beverage.  Just being honest.  I cut some up and threw them in my bowl of yogurt, unfrozen and that was delicious.  Maybe it was just a weird pregnancy/texture/frozen thing.

Enough of that.

slowcookerhamandbeans


Delicious.  Easy.  Will make again.

blueberrycookie


Absolutely.  Crazy yum.  Drop everything again, and go make another batch of cookies.  Permission granted.  You're welcome.

Slowcookerchicken


I would not have thought of this without Pinterest.  I have several delicious, organic, whole chickens in my freezer.  www.fullcirclefamilyfarm.com  (Shout out to my great friend, Melinda and her farm!)  But, I was under the impression they would always have to be made in the oven, you know, traditionally.  I was WRONG.  I put this in before I left for church and let it cook 6 hours.  We ate around 1:00pm and it was so good.  Will do again!  (I changed the spices and stuck a half a lemon in the cavity.  Crazy moist and delicious.)

Acnetreatment
acnescars

My skin is never "under control" but pregnancy sends my tolerably bad skin into ridiculous, want to paper-bag myself, bad.  These both have proven themselves over the past few weeks.  Again, not completely gone, but maybe when this pregnancy is over... Maybe. 


bathroomcleaner

Have been using this for my entire bathroom cleaner for a few weeks now.  Works very well.  First whiff of it is potent.  You are warned. 

So, there's my week.  It was a tasty one, which is how I tend to medicate my sadness. 

Love & Laughter,
abby

School is in session!

For our home, this school year is going to be a year of changes and experimenting.

After much thought and prayer, (and many family meetings!) I've decided to homeschool Cooper this year.  No huge expectations, other than to capture the joy of learning. 

I live with 3 amazing gentlemen.  Extraordinary souls, truly.

Cooper is Cooper.  There is only one like him that I've ever known.  And we were blessed with the gift of having him.  He needs routine, just like any child.  He needs adventure and outlets for creativity.  He needs the opportunity to lead and socialize.  He needs to ask a million questions a day.  He needs to be in God's word daily.

I need your prayers.  I pray that I can lead this little man and be the teacher he needs me to be.

I am excited!
I am thankful for the opportunity.
Most of all, I am overwhelmed at the awesome responsibility.  This mom gig is incredible, right? 

We started our "school year" Monday.  He loves it.  He asks every morning what time school is going to start!  I pray he stays excited.

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!

Love & Laughter,
abby

Monday Meal

I love to be in my kitchen!  I love to pour ingredients together with some love and see what happens.  Most of the time, my family approves. 
I don't measure so much... I "wing-it".  Bear with me.  That's the great thing about cooking, try it and if it's not "right", add more. 
I also try to eat as organically as we can afford to around here.  I can tell you everything in this recipe except the green chilis and the cilantro is organic, even the spices.  Better for you, better for the environment.  I'm not perfect, but when I can afford to, I buy organic.

Here's what's in the slow-cooker today:

White Chicken Chili (my version)

You will need:

~ white beans (I use about half a bag for my family of 4), soaked overnight
~ shredded or cubed chicken (I use the leftovers from a meal earlier in the week)
~2 cans green chilis
~vegetable variety (today's has carrots and corn)
~1 box chicken broth
~fresh cilantro (a good handful), chopped fine
~cumin (about a good palm full)
~cayenne pepper (just a smidge)
~onion powder (a few shakes)
~garlic powder (a few shakes)
~salt and pepper

Throw it all in and let it cook on low for 5 or more hours.  Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, cheese and even sour cream, if you're into that!  It's soooooo good!

Love & Laughter,
abby

I'm still here...

I disappeared for a while, didn't I?

Well, I'm going to blame pregnancy, 2 wild boys, and not enough energy!

I am starting to feel much better.  14 weeks down, too many to go, but we are starting to live again around here.  When the mommy doesn't feel well, it takes a little bit more to keep the house going.

We did make time for a vacation recently.  Here's a few photos from Colorado and more.

Love & Laughter,
abby

The "to do" pile

Alright... Here it is mid-April and the list I made for myself back in January to, you know, get myself "on-track" with the organizational/clutter issues around here, is well, barely touched. 

Sigh...

So, scratch that.  The list just makes me anxious and irritable. 
No need for that.

My new "to-do" list as of this morning looks a bit like this:

~ enjoy Monday
~ cook, because you love it not because you have to
~ read bible
~ quit trying to figure out the world and fix it

There!  That is a to-do list that can get done!

I am not going to make myself nuts with everything that needs to be done.

I'm not.


(Also, have you ever seen more adorable children? I didn't think so.)

We recently went to Branson, a blog post I'd like to do, but am NOT going to stress about. :)


Love & Laughter,
abby

Super Hero

Cooper is the superhero in our house.  We even call him Super-Coop.

He loves to have capes tied on and to jump off the couch/bed/table in search of his next adventure.
(I should reign this in more, but I know it won't last... which makes me more tolerant about the couch jumping.)

He loves pretend and "being" someone else really cool for time.

But, he is a superhero in real life too. 

He is the first to try and make a bad day better around here. 

He is fiercely protective of his brother, even though he is the first to full-body-slam him to the floor, when given the chance.

He hates when I let Carter cry something out.  Always, wants to go make it better for him.  Hates to hear him cry.

He came home with a precious story the other day and I couldn't wait to share.

He is riding the bus back and forth to preschool right now, while I am watching my dear nieces for a time.  He has a love/hate relationship with the bus.

He LOVES the social aspect of it.

He HATES the idea of needing to use the bathroom and not being home yet.
(You know, I would have that fear too, probably, at this point in my life.)

SO, the ride home is a long one... at least an hour usually, which is nuts, but that's what it is.

Part way home, he noticed a couple of girls picking on a boy.  I'm not sure of the conversation, but he said they were teasing him about not having a family and some other things. 

Cooper could see the boy was hurting, was sad about being teased.  And, he reached out.

He gave him a treat out of the treat bag he got from a birthday celebration at school, hoping that would make him feel better.  (You must know that Cooper doesn't share sugar, generally. It's like gold to him.)

The other kids started asking for treats, naturally, and he refused to give them to anyone else.
(I have to add I am REALLY proud about this. I would have caved at his age and given all my loot away for fear of not being liked or noticed.)

When they complained, he simply replied that he was going to make that boy feel better and they didn't deserve it.  He said God wasn't too happy with people who hurt other people.

He's 5.

I can't tell you how much this does for my mommy heart.

He is listening.
He pay attention.
He loves God.
He is willing to stick up for the under-dog.
He isn't afraid to say "no".
He has no tolerance for injustice.
He is a superhero.

Love & Laughter,
abby

Runaway

I ran away once as a little girl.

(Ok, twice.  But, I'm not counting the time in high school.  Hormonal, moody teenager who just thought the world was unfair, doesn't count. I was hanging out at a friends house when my mom pulled up and yanked me into the car to take me home.)

I tell you this because I felt like running away again today.

As a little girl, we lived a few miles outside of town, in a little housing edition, but on a dirt road, none-the-less.  Real country.

I packed, angry at who knows what, and spewed out all kinds of crazy at my mom, I'm sure.  She let me.  Then I stomped out the door and started walking down that country road.  I know my mom could see me the entire time, out the windows of our home.

I walked, and walked and walked... all the way to the end of that road, where I had to make a choice.  Right or left. 

I chose to invent an excuse to turn around and go home. 

Amazingly brave, I know.

When I walked in with my "excuse" of forgetting something, my mom told me I had one chance, and I didn't get to leave again.  And, I'm pretty sure I was in my room for the rest of the evening.

Whew.... I know I was thankful.  What if I had actually turned right or left?? 
I know now, that she knew I wouldn't.  Didn't have it in me.

So, what's the story today?

Today, I am an overwhelmed mama.

Don't you know that I KNOW I am a blessed mama?
And, generally, a very happy one.

These boys, they are trying their very best to break me. (That's how it feels, I know it's not actually that way.  They are children, doing child-like things.)

I woke this morning determined not to lose my cool today.  To treat every situation with grace and understanding...

Fail. 

By 10:00am, my precious 2-year-old had bitten everyone in the house, leaving marks on two of us. And, the 5-year-old had had a meltdown of epic proportions.  Chairs were turned over, papers thrown, tears shed.

 Epic. 

Over a backpack and school lunch. 

You know, life or death stuff.

Something I have discovered through motherhood, is I'm not actually a very patient person.  Not really.

I like to think I am.

I'm not.

So, my resolve to not lose my cool, firmly planted, crumbled like a cake donut (doesn't that sound yummy??) and I lost my cool.

Called my husband, who can fix everything, including my bad mood most of the time, and he came home and fixed it.

(My children act a little different for their Daddy.  Anyone else??)

While, I felt momentarily better, I also felt like a failure.

I have to call my husband, home from work, to help me with these boys.

So, running away felt like a great option for about an hour.

Lots of deep breathing and lots of crying.

Being a mommy and a wife is hard.

Nobody really mentions this when you are growing up with stars in your eyes about "playing house" and being a bride, wife and mommy.

If you mentioned it, we wouldn't listen anyway.

Where am I going with this?

Ok, running felt like a great option, right after a bottle of red wine and a bubble bath.

I get why some moms and dads choose that option.  I really do.  There are days that are overwhelmingly hard.  I say this, living a really blessed, healthy, happy life.

So many are not so lucky.  They have really hard moments on top of hard days on top of hard, broken lives. 

Running away is never actually an option here.  I adore my family, my life.

LOVE these sweet children of mine.

And, this man who will come home and wipe my tears and tell me I am a great mommy, even when I'm not.

I could run, but I would miss so much.

All the smiles, and giggles.
All the learning moments.
All the joy.
All the hugs and slobbery kisses.
All the blessing.

So, in my mind, I took a walk.
Down that country road.
And I made it all the way to the end where I had to choose... right or left.
I turned around and came home. (I know my mama knew I would)

I took a breath and jumped back in.

Because it's worth it.

I am a blessed mama.

Love & Laughter,
abby

(Feel free to leave a comment about a day you felt like running... it will make my day!)

Currently

Currently, I am craving sunshine.
Desperately.

Currently, I am giving myself a pep-talk about the rest of the week.
(Lack of sunshine, rain, mud = kids indoors = crazy momma.)

Currently, I am trying not to be overwhelmed by life and gloomy matters.

Currently, I am thankful for my husband who works really, really hard and almost always comes home to me and makes me laugh, even after a hard day. 
I adore him.

Currently, I am missing a slow, leisurely pace around here.
(Of course, when it's slow, I would miss busy. That's how that goes.)

Currently, I am planning several trips. 
I LOVE TRAVEL.

Currently, I am washing a load with 5 pairs of "soiled" underwear from the first day of potty-training.
(You didn't have to know that, but I decided to share.  You are welcome.)

Currently, I am blessed.
I am always blessed and sometimes I just need to remind myself.

Love & Laughter,
abby

Have to laugh

I have had the strangest, funny day and feel like I must share.

To start the day I flushed my phone.  The iPhone I've only had a few months. 
How, you ask?  Delighted to share.

Standing in the bathroom washing my hands, trying to put myself together for the day when my oldest walks in, does his business then walks out.  Never flushes, that one.

So, I did it for him, as I was grabbing the towel to dry off my hands.

Forgot my phone was on the counter, under the towel.  It flipped around in the air, in slow-motion, of course.  As I watch (unable to do a thing about it, as these situations always tend to be) the crazy phone does a complete flip into the toilet and manages to get sucked down the pipe.

Completely.

I stood in shock.  Both boys were standing right outside the door in the hallway, when I squealed.  They rush in and I tell them exactly what has happened and they mimic my horrified expression.

Then we cracked up and laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes.  Cooper got the belly laughs, which is pretty contagious.
(Pretty sure Cooper will tell this story to everyone we know and don't know for the next 3 months, like he tends to do.)

So, no communication isn't really an option.  I load the children up, drop one at Grandma's house and go to replace it.

Turns out insurance DOES cover flushed phone.
Amazing!

Then, this afternoon, I took little two-year-old-crazy-man with me to a dear woman's home so I could get a couple of dresses taken in a smidgen.  He got quiet halfway through the second dress.

Never a good omen.

I am not kidding when I tell you he looked like he had applied war-paint in the bathroom.  He had found the brightest shade of lipstick this sweet woman owns, and had applied it liberally to his face, head, chest, shirt, arms and hair.

And this lipstick was about the stickiest, non-smudging, lipstick I think you could find.

She has a white/cream colored bathroom, naturally.

Bless her, she laughed and helped me scrub my little man for 10 minutes before I called it "good enough" and threw the dresses her direction and headed out the door with a half-dressed, war-painted tot.

At home, I dunked him in the bathtub and scrubbed with all my might.  Then placed him in his bed for a nap.  He fought, but I won.

It was only 2:00 pm.  Oh my.

Walking back into the bathroom to drain the tub, I glance over and guess what's sitting in the bottom of the toilet???

You got it.

iPhone.  Back from the depths of the stool...

I have laughed more today than I have in 10 days, probably.

My life is hysterical.

Love & Laughter,
abby

Two

This little one is a big-boy two year old.

Already.

Gulp.

You know these children of mine are just doing what they're suppose to.
Growing.
Thriving.
Making me crazy.

I can't wait to see what this year holds for both of them.

Carter is our "quiet" one.  But, he is quickly catching up.  Just in the last couple of weeks he has started speaking so many new words.  And he is putting them together in sentences.  "Oh NO!" is one of his favorite phrases.  As is, "I love...", never a "you" on the end of it.  Just, "I love".  Absolute sweetness.

He loves to watch Curious George.  It is his favorite, currently.  And he can say "George"... ridiculous cute.  It usually comes out sounding like "Georgie". 

He has his pout face mastered.  If you tell him anything he doesn't agree with, it comes out in a flash.  He has a stomp and arm movement that goes with it.  (Like a sad soldier walking away.)

He is a master of messes.  Carter can empty a room of every object faster than anyone I have ever seen.  I have pretty much given up keeping his room cleaned up.  As long as he can get to his door without tripping, I am calling it good for now.  (Picking my battles.)

His favorite time of day is bath time and anytime a snack is mentioned.  He LOVES to eat and to splash around in the tub. 

He sang Happy Birthday To You all day long on his birthday.  "Happy day tooo you..."  So ridiculous cute.

Carter has this innocence, this special spark in his eye.  He is so full of love and fun.  It's infectious. 

He adores his daddy, myself and his "bubba".  Every morning they start the day as best buds, giving hugs and checking each other out... like maybe something will have changed over night.  It's one of my favorite times of day.  Watching these two boys greet each other and the day.

What a blessed life we are living.

Happy Birthday, sweet Carter.  You are a miracle and I am so thankful each and every day.

Love & Laughter,
abby

Well Read

I am one of those people that has several books going at one time.

Here is what I am currently reading...

Anybody have something on their "you have to read this!" list??

Love & Laughter,
abby

five and a half

That's how old Cooper is today.

What a treasure this boy is.

His start in life was not "easy".  It was not without obstacles.  But he, and WE, persevered.

God is so good. 

Today he had his annual cardiologist appointment.

Look at that face and tell me you don't think
 he is the bravest little man!

He can smile!  It's not so bad!!

Let's get these off!

He told Cory to tell me not to worry,
"It's not a big deal, Mama."

Glorious news!  All is well. 
He is a healthy, 44 pound, silly-fish.  Just the way we like it.
Who said he could be this big already??!?!  Not me.

Never take a moment for granted with this one. 

Our lives were forever changed the moment he entered it. 

Blessed.  Oh. So. Blessed.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Love & Laughter,
abby

{more} cooper-isms

Walking up to a restaurant...
"Mom, LOOK at all the stars!"
"I know, beautiful!"
"I guess, what I've heard is... Well, when you have a night out with a girlfriend, you take her out to look at the big moon and all the stars."
"Reeaaallllyyyy..."
"Yep.  I guess that's what I'll have to do some day."
"Some day, a long time from now."
"Yep, I love looking at them with you too, Mommy."

Melt....


Driving to church Sunday, Cooper pipes up from the back with, "Mom, are we popular?"
"Who?  Why?"
"Us.  You, me, Daddy, Carter.  You know, like when you are a rock star, you're popular."
"Ummm, We try to be kind to everyone, and we have many dear friends.  But, I don't worry about being popular.  Why?"
"I just wondered."



Random conversation in the car...
"Mama, Daddy, When I grow up will you be old?"
Me: "Define OLD."
"You know, wrinkles and old stuff like that."
Cory: "Son, I already have wrinkles."
Cooper busts out laughing!
"I guess that makes you a dog lover!"

What?!??!?? Made no sense, but made us laugh!


Sometimes, I really wonder what is going on in his mind. How does a 5 year old put all of this together and how did we get blessed with such a boy?

He is amazing.


Love & Laughter,
abby

Less than a month...

That is how far away we are from seeing Carter turn 2.


2, people.

How did that happen so fast?

I have always tried to use "positive" language when talking about this age regarding my children.  (I'm not saying I'm perfect.  I am sure I have said terrible at some point...)

It really is a trying age, but one with so much discovery.

It also happens to be the point at which my boys decide they can't live without me.
Not for a day,
a minute,
an hour,
a potty break...

There is so much crying and whining coming out of my easy-going, gentle boy.
It is HARD.

I love to be LOVED.
I love being a mommy.
I even love the chaos, most of the time.

I am going to be so honest right here.
2. Not my favorite age.

3, is hard, but for different reasons. (Opinionated but can communicate!!!)
4 and 5 seem to be the point at which it gets a little easier.
I am praying 6 is the "golden number".  Where I might relax a little, not be so nervous?
Anyone???

2... Not easy.  Hard to communicate.  Opinionated.  Exhausting.

So, I am going to force myself to get EXCITED! 
I can do this! 
I have this! 
He can't beat me at this game! 
I have the mommy thang, down!!  (That's my slang, I don't get out much.)
Whoo hooo! 
Rock Star status!!

Whew.... I'm exhausted.

Dearest, Darling Carter...
We love you so much. 
I promise to love you through this phase of life just as fiercely as I have the first two years.
I promise to encourage and use positive language in your life.
I promise to be here, present in the moment, more than I am not.
I promise to raise us both up in prayer, cause baby, we will need it.
I promise to always go to bed thankful for the day and you in it.

Love Always,
Your Mama

Weight

We all make choices every single day that have led us to the lives we are living now.  The choices we have made have brought us to this very moment.  The good and the bad.

I tend to internalize so much.  I feel the weight of my own decisions, but I tend to be a "fixer", and carry the burden that so many others are dealing with in their lives.

I know, in my heart, everything works out the way it is meant to.  What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

I know God is with us and for us, so who could possibly be against us?

Life feels incredibly unfair right now for some people in our lives that we love so much.  I can feel myself internalizing it.  My gut is wrenched with it.

My prayer is for peace, for patience and for miracles.

Pray with me, if you will.

Philippians 4:6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God .

Love & Laughter,
abby

Girlfriends?

We were in the car a few evenings ago, and Cooper asked if he was too OLD for a girlfriend?

I replied, "No! You are TOO YOUNG for a girlfriend."

To which he responded, "Well, Daddy is young, and I'm sure he has a girlfriend."

Teeheehee...

I looked over at Cory, who is trying to not burst with laughter, and gave him the cue that it was his turn to tackle the conversation. (Isn't that great, to hand it off to the other parent! I love being a team!)

So, Cory said with absolute confidence, that in fact, he didn't have a girlfriend.  That he has me, and me only.

We all laughed and I just thought about all the conversations I get to have with this 5 year old.  (And with Carter, although he only speaks enough to get his point across at this point in his young life!)  He is so funny and incredibly smart.  He comes up with the funniest things.  Every day is full of laughter with my boys.  Every. Single. Day.


Love  & Laughter,
abby

Cooper-isms

I am behind with the tales from my 5 year old... Trying to gather them all here!


Sitting at the table, eating dinner.  Coop pipes in with, "Daddy, you are soooo last month."
What in the world???

After surprising him with a trip to KC in December,
"I'm not just surprised.  I'm WOWED!"


Working out with his Daddy at the gym and comes home to show me, excitedly the "progress" in his physique.
"Look at the lumps I brought home for you, Mommy! Pretty soon my arms won't hold all the new ones..."

Accidentally scratched his brother in the car, came home and it was getting late.  He took his baby brother and sat him in the recliner, covered him up with no-less than 4 thick blankets, gave him his Elmo and sippy and then disappeared.  Came back a few minutes later with a band-aid, peeled it off, stuck it on his face then leaned in real close and whispered,
"I love you so much bubba, I will never make you bleed again."
I melted.  Watched the whole thing from another room, and just melted with the sweetness of it.

Came out of children's church last week,
"Guess what I learned today?"
"What?"
"Did you know you are supposed to listen to your parents and do what they tell you?!?" (Like he was completely shocked by it!)
"Reeeeaalllllyy.... NO KIDDING.  So, I am not the only one who says that?"
"Nope, for reals, mom."
Hahahahaha.... We will see....

To his daddy...
"You smell like a monkey's armpit.  Maybe worse."


And, some recent cuteness...

Love & Laughter,
abby

Busy

I am struggling with juggling it all right now.

Life feels very busy, like I am trying to stuff a suitcase with more than it will hold.

The problem is... I don't want to give anything up.  Each and every item on the "to-do" list and calendar is important and feels needed.

I miss the days of having nothing to do sometimes, though.  (ok, I don't really remember those days, but the thought is a nice one.)

We had a discussion in a church group last night that struck a chord with me.

We are meant to have a sabbath day.
A day of rest.

Let's define that, shall we?  I LOVE this definition found in Webster's dictionary...

      FREEDOM FROM ACTIVITY OR LABOR. 
           PEACE OF MIND OR SPIRIT. 


What would a day like that feel like?
 A WHOLE day of rest.
 Freedom from activity. 
Peace of mind and spirit.


I need to make it more of a priority.

There are days I get close to it.  Really.  But, I don't know that I can say it is weekly or even monthly.

The kind of day with no phone, computer, work, laundry, trips to the store, contacting clients, following up on details...

I do tend to get caught up in the details.

I need to make rest a priority too.

Anyone have this mastered??  Tips on how you do it?

Love & Laughter,
abby

In Memoriam

Over the weekend a blankie met an untimely end at our house.

Cooper has held the same blanket every night since he was a tiny thing.  It was my FAV when we brought him home and I swaddled him in it, wiped his face with it and carried it with us wherever we were. 

Naturally, it became his favorite too.

It has seen better days.  It is flannel.  Worn so thin in places you can see through it.  Holes scattered throughout.  I tend not to wash it as often as it needs, for fear it may disintegrate.  When I do wash it, it is the first item he asks for.  He scoops it up and holds it to his precious face, smelling the fresh right out of it and soaking up the warmth from the dryer.

His grandma Judy made it for him along with about 5 others.  This is the one he latched on to.

Anyone else have a child attached to a lovie?

He has a buddy too, they both go everywhere. 
And they are definitely "must-haves" at bedtime.

Now you know the back story... Here's how the moment went.

Cooper, being Cooper, uses this blanket for everything.  It is a rope on an adventure through a jungle.  It is a toga or belt or cape depending on the type situation he may be in.  It is a picnic spot in the living room.  It has been used as a Kleenex, a first aid kit and to dry the tears from his eyes. 

It also has been used as a weapon one too many times.  He uses it like a whip, dashing picture frames to the floor and clearing people out of a room.  Sigh...

Sunday, he used it as a lashing instrument on me.  I, being ever so calm and cool at all times, yanked it out of his hand... And, well, with all the holes... It never had a chance.

The thing fell apart like a spiderweb.  Just evaporated down the middle and to each corner.

I felt so small, so sick to my stomach.

As unhappy as I am about being "whipped" with the treasure, I would never intentionally destroy it.

Cooper fell apart about as quickly as the blanket.  Fell. Apart.

Cory, who was much calmer, picked up the pieces and took us all to Coop's room where he managed to have a service for blankie.

Cooper could barely speak about it through the tears.

So, Cory started by talking about how blankie had been there for him, helped him feel comfort and warmth.  Told Cooper how blankie had lived a good life and would now go where any well respected blanket would love to be.

The keepsake box in the attic.

I spoke a little.  About how it had been my favorite when we brought him home.  How I would wrap him up in it and play peek-a-boo behind it with him.  How thankful I was that it had lasted as long as it had.

Cooper decided to say a little something.  You know, just about how much he loved blankie.  How he didn't know how he could sleep without it.  How it was his very dear friend who loved him, protected him. 
On and on...
I felt worse and worse...

I am not going to pretend my eyes were dry through this.  I was crying as much as he was.  Cory looked at me and said, "this is worse than losing a dog."
It really was awful. 

I explained to Cooper that as we grow and become the men and women we become, that life is really a series of letting-go's... He had to let blankie go.  He gets that.  But, it's not easy.

Cooper has a heart of gold.  And a fierce loyalty to anyone or thing that he feels is special.  Blankie was very dear to him.  He had a really difficult time putting it in the box in the attic. 
There were tears again at bedtime.
More tears the following night.
I'm not sure how long that will last, but my heart breaks every time.

This is the first picture I could find of it.

It was my favorite!

A little older, having a snack with it behind him.

Snuggled up with blankie.

Ornery baby bro, snatching it AND buddy!

As a cape...

This is how he sleeps, with blankie and buddy tucked under his chin.

Last photo I could find, hiding behind it.

ugh.  So, it was difficult.  But, he assures me he is ready to let it go... until bedtime, anyway.

Love & Laughter,
abby