October 19, 2010

Spare Tire

Whoa...not that spare tire...I do have one of those too, but I was really talking about the real spare tire that goes on your car...

Anyway...

We were on our way out and Sara and Rachael were milling around in the front yard waiting for me, when all of a sudden Sara bursts back into the house...

Sara: Mommy, MOMMY...look! You have to see this!
(She leads me to the back of the SUV and makes me get down real low.)
Can you believe there's an extra tire under here?! Can we use it for a tire swing?!!!

Me: Um...I think you should go ask your father.

October 14, 2010

My the Lord bless you and keep you...

This my husband's sister and her beautiful family. You may recognize little Joey from my post yesterday. I am excited to announce that Joey has made it though his open heart surgery!!! Praise God!!!!! Please continue to pray for Joey and his family as they begin the road to recovery.

I love you guys and you are in my constant prayers!

October 13, 2010

Not your ordinary Joe


Dear Joey, my sweet nephew,

You are such a joy...a true gift from God! You are one of the happiest babies I have known. You are always smiling and cooing and laughing. You love to watch your sisters and cousins running all around you and you squeal with joy when one of them stops to give you a kiss or a tickle. You are very attentive.

You are growing wonderfully and I am sure the last two pounds settled right in each of those cheeks. For all you have been through it is miraculous to see you thriving like you have. I always say that fat babies are happy babies and you definitely fit the bill on both accounts! It was the greatest honor of my entire life to help provide food for your momma to feed you. I cried right along with your mom when she realized that resuming nursing was no longer an option. You are special and keep life interesting, so why should feeding you be any different?

What most amazes me about you is how you communicate through your eyes. You had several weeks where you couldn't make a sound. We could tell what you wanted just from the look in your eyes. Your eyes sparkle when you're happy, plead when you're sad, and observe so closely when you are in the mood to just sit back and watch. You don't miss a minute of the action in your house!

In your four months of life you have managed to bring out the best in everyone. You have taught your sisters gentleness and compassion. You have allowed the Church to demonstrate its selfless giving to a family in need. Your life has solidified the bond of family that I always knew was there but never fully realized how deep it ran. Your life has brought people closer to God through the constant prayers for your well-being...I can't think of a greater gift you have given than that. I can't wait to see what other amazing things God has in mind for your life!

Tomorrow you have quite a busy day ahead of you. You will undergo your final open heart surgery. You will then be back to "normal"...I won't tell you how long I have been trying to be normal and you manage to get there in four months! You take your surgeries and procedures in your own special way and I am sure this will be no different. Know that you have countless people praying for you every step of the way.

I love you more than words can possibly say. I will be praying for you, your parents and sisters, the hospital staff and all involved in your care.

Aunt Angela

As long as I have my thumb...

Both Sara and Rachael were/are thumb suckers. Sara sucked her thumb and played with her belly button. Rachael sucks her thumb and twirls her hair. The greatest sign of affection from her is when she lets you be the one to twirl her hair!


October 12, 2010

Blizzards Soccer

Sara is really progressing in soccer this year! It turns out she is a great defender...she holds good field position and can really clear the ball!


She has her first loose tooth, so sometimes that's more interesting than the game.

But either way, she is having a great time and the whole family is enjoying cheering her on!

October 11, 2010

October 10, 2010