Vacuuming tree trimmings

I started putting up our Christmas decorations this past weekend. Logan always puts our trees up (yes, trees; I have several). Stryker was getting so excited about Christmas coming soon & begged to vacuum the tree clippings! I'm beginning to see my OCD qualities in him. He even climbed underneath the tree to vacuum!

Overseers

Stryker & Lake were daddy's overseers while he was blowing the leaves from the front flower bed.

World Prematurity Day 2013

November 17th is World Prematurity Day. This day is near & dear to my heart after having 2 preemies. God blessed me with 2 preemies that continue growing both physically & spiritually. I have also lost 2 children who are in Heaven being rocked by Jesus waiting until the day we meet. My heart is heavy for mothers/parents/families that have preemie babies who are not as fortunate as I have been. I give thanks each day for the opportunity to raise these children & be chosen as their mom. Pregnancies & births are all too often taken for granted nowadays. Please remember those women, couples, families that are struggling with a complicated pregnancy with the fear of premature birth or those that are raising preemies that may or may not have deficits. 

Preemie Prayer

God bless the little child behind the plastic wall. For all he knows is the ringing of the bells and the blurred images around him. He has been taken from my womb without warning and I long to hold him in my arms.

Lord, I ask in Your name that my child be healed. I am willing to accept Your decision no matter what it will be. I am willing to take on the responsibilities for caring for this child. I am willing to give this child love and understanding no matter the cost. Please Lord help me to accept reality and what has happened without explanation or warning. Help me face the fact that this is not my fault and that I was given a special task to complete here on Earth.

God give my child the strength and compassion to the caregivers and nurses that take care of my child. May you keep my child protected and free from all injury and pain.

Please take away the guilt and burden from my heart dear Lord. It is heavy and I feel it is all my fault. Take it away dear Lord. Sweet Jesus allow me the strength and understanding I need to communicate with the doctors and nurses.

As you see dear Lord, I am at Your mercy for the life of my child. Please leave him here on Earth and know that I will provide all the love and understanding that this child needs. I accept the challenge and will be Your humble servant dear Lord.

Author Unknown

Rainy afternoon

I worked this weekend but I always make it a priority to try getting finished on Sundays early enough to make it to church with my family. This morning, I met Logan & the kiddos at church in time. It was rainy so we decided to enjoy time together in our playroom before Logan flew to San Antonio. I love watching Stryker & Lake have fun. They bring so much joy to my life.

A rare day off

Wednesday was a day off for me b/c I worked this weekend. It was extremely cold & rainy & Stryker was diagnosed with strep Monday. So what did the day look like...

1. I actually tried some bows in LakeLynn's hair. I know you're surprised, right?! You shouldn't be. I wore bows in my hair growing up.

2. A few hours in the playroom - shooting basketall, batting practice, & all of the many toys in the room.

3. A late lunch at Chick-fil-a. Yes, Stryker was no longer contagious so a lunch & inside playtime at Chick-fil-a was perfect.

14 years ago

These pictures are when we dated about 14 years ago. The first one is when Logan took me on a special date. It was extremely thoughtful even though I felt uncomfortable & out of place. I can remember like it was yesterday. He came to my house with a wrapped box & told me to wear what was inside on this specific date. He had picked this dress out (a satin/silk, fitted light pink dress) & even bought the right size. My mom had to get shoes dyed in order to match the dress. Logan came that night with flowers & drove me in his white Ford F150 Sport truck from Cullman to Birmingham. Dinner reservations were a surprise until we arrived at Cobb Lane in Five Points. We sat outside on the patio & I remember being confused what to order. This was the first fancy restaurant I had ever been to at my age. Thank goodness Logan helped me decipher the menu!

We look so young in this pictures!

The second picture is at a baseball tournament in Meridan, MS. Logan & I ate dinner one night at Outback as a double date with my brother & his girlfriend.

My heart has always belonged to you, Logan. You are able to see parts of my life that are closed permanently to anyone else. Thank you for all of these memories even 14 years ago!

Remind you of someone?!

No, these are not LakeLynn! They are my baby pics. The first one made me laugh because Lake points her little right finger when talking. Such a mini me! 

Zoo time!

Saturday, November 9th

Zoo time with friends!! Even though it was a little chilly, we had a great play date with our friends the Helland's at the Birmingham Zoo. We did experience an exhibit that we tend to walk past - feeding the birds. Logan took Stryker inside while I held Lake. Within minutes our children swapped places! Stryker was a little scared by the birds being so close but Lake wanted to touch & feed them all by herself! After a few hours inside the zoo, we enjoyed a picnic lunch. All of the kiddos fell asleep after a few minutes in the car. Successful trip as usual!

LakeLynn 1st day in toddler room at school

Lake was promoted to the next class at school - toddlers. Her first day was suppose to be Monday, November 4th but she stayed home due to her ear surgery until Wednesday, November 6th. Logan & I wanted to make it special for her. We stopped by Donut Joe's in Gardendale before enjoying the yummy doughnuts at the school. Stryker helped with the transition by going to the lunchroom for breakfast with her (she had to go even though she had breakfast because her class stays there until 8am). Stryker's teacher allowed Stryker to visit her & watch her walk in the hallway. She has really enjoyed her new playground time outside in the toddler class! Lake's old teachers spoiled her on Friday (last day in the baby room) by holding her the entire day! They said she wasn't allowed down because they were going to miss our precious baby & loved her so much. Now, that is a blessing to this mom! I love my children's school. 

Wrestling & love

I love watching my children play together & then love on each other.

LakeLynn's tube surgery

LakeLynn had tubes put in her ears on Monday, November 4th. The same ENT that did Stryker's tubes placement & adenoid removal (but performed it at Children's South this time) was Dr. Wiatrak. Lake was his first case that morning which required us to be there by 6am. Logan & I both took the day off while Coco stayed with Stryker at home. I attempted to carry Lake from her crib straight to the warm car but was completely unsuccessful. As soon as she felt my hand underneath her, she glared in my eyes with a huge grin on her face. Lake was smiling & babbling all the way to the hospital. Such a sweet little girl. All of the parents in the waiting room expressed how shocked they were to see a pretty little girl so wide awake that early in the morning. Lake kept walking around the waiting room & lobby waving at each person while smiling. The doctor was running a little late but Lake didn't mind because she was too busy playing with riding toys. She even grabbed a work bench to play with for a few minutes (guess she was missing bubba)! We were able to walk her to the OR doors before having to hand her over to the nurse. Hate to say it, but I made Logan hand her over because I just couldn't do it (even though I held her until we got to the door). The procedure was over within 5 minutes & back in our arms within 10 min. The doctor informed us how bad her little ears were at the time - pus in both. We avoided an inevitable double ear infection in the near future. We were back home soon with an on & off whining little girl.