A Series Of Unfortunate Events

Twas the day after Christmas and the house is a wreck. Not a creature was stirring except for the kids....which decided it would be a great idea to wake up before me and Leo and open every single gift under the tree and throw the boxes and paper everywhere. Which of course when I woke up was less then pleased. After deciding that I was not cleaning today because it was snowy and dreary and I wanted to be lazy, I went back to bed leaving Leo to deal with the kids and the mess.

Well that was just the beginning.

 Once Leo left for work I made the kids go clean their rooms to make room for all of their new stuff, while I ordered pizza. Once the pizza got here I went to get money from my wallet only to realize I was missing $30. Once we all finished our pizza I went up to the kids rooms to inspect and help set us some of their new things and the dogs jumped on the table and ate an entire pizza. Awesome. Since they ate all of my pizza, I let them out and they decided it would be fun to take off and tour the neighborhood....in the dark....in the rain. So I had to chase them through the neighborhood, at least this time I had shoes on. Once I finally caught Molly I had to carry her 25 lb butt back home and my head is pounding. Skip forward a few hours, the kids are sleeping in the basement and I hear a crash. I go downstairs to see my basement window laying on the floor, which of course scared me to death and I called 911. The police came out and looked around, they said that the dogs barking may have scared them off if someone was out there. Once I calmed down my headache became worse and as I was getting some migraine meds I stepped on a thumb tack. Seriously? I think it's time for me to go to bed!

A Horrible Tragic Day

I'm sitting here at a loss for words. Tears continuing to stream down my face. My stomach is sick, and my heart is broken. I can't seem to tear myself away from the media. I need to know what is going on. I need to understand why. I guess in my head I am waiting for the reason. I just can't comprehend it all. With the history of tragedy's that have effected our country, aside from 9/11, I think this one has hit me the hardest. As a mom and as a human being. I keep thinking of those 20 little children, scared ,screaming and unaware of what is about to happen. And then the tears start flowing again, when I think of my own children. That could have been us.

This morning, those little children woke up, excited for school. Excited for Christmas coming. Excited about Santa. Those little ones packed their book bags, kissed their parents and went into school. A safe place. This morning parents packed their lunches, hurried to pack up their bags, find their shoes, brush their hair and kissed them goodbye as they dropped them off to a place that you expect that your babies will be safe. And in the blink of an eye their entire worlds crashed down. You never expect it to happen to you, I would never in a million years think something like this could happen...and then it does. How do you recover from this? As a nation we have been so deeply effected, as a parent even more so.  So many of us with small children of our own. Caden is 5. He is a Kindergartner. He is the same age as most of those little ones. The thought is gut wrenching and sickening to think just how easy that could have been us. How do we get through this? How will we ever feel safe sending our children to school again? It took every ounce of my being not to go pick my children up from school. I have been crying all day and I held my children a little tighter tonight as I am sure the rest of this nation has. How quickly our world can change!

As a Christian, the first thing I did when I heard the news was pray. It really is the only thing I could do. I was sitting in traffic, on my way home from work, in tears and crying out to God. WHY? I don't understand. Why would He allow all of those precious little children be viciously murdered? And to be honest I didn't get an answer. I probably never will but I still have faith. Otherwise what is left? We live in a horrible, broken, ugly world. And in all of the darkness He is the light. We have to lean on Him for peace. Though we may not understand it, He is here. Through all of the brokenness, He is here.

So tonight, as I am glued to the endless media coverage of this terrible tragedy, I snuggled my babies a little tighter, held them a little longer, and prayed. I pray for peace, I pray for comfort, and I thankful for my children. Things like this puts life into perspective, we hustle and bustle around. Especially this time of the year. We complain when our kids are whiny, or getting into trouble, we often look forward to bedtime (I am guilty of this too.) But what we can take away from all of this is to slow down. Enjoy life. Enjoy your children. Make every moment count. Be there in every moment. The little things matter the most. The random hugs, the kisses goodbye, the little pictures from your kids, and the I Love You's. You don't know what tomorrow may hold so make today count!

Many prayers go out to those who are effected by the horrific event. I pray for peace that passes all understanding and an overwhelming comfort to everyone.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Alanna

Today is the last day of November. I can't believe how fast this year has flew by! But on the very last day of November I am thankful for my baby. Alanna. She is such an energetic, smart, and funny little girl. With her wild hair and enthusiasm she keeps us on our toes!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Caden

Today I am thankful for my son Caden. He is smart, and crazy, and loves to be the class clown. He loves to write and drawl, and he loves soccer. Everyday he surprises me. 

30 Day's of Thankfulness: Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my dad's 89th birthday! And I am SO thankful to still have him around! He is healthy (for the most part) and he still gets around pretty well. I am blessed to have an older father, he was 60 when I was born and retired right after. My dad will do anything for anyone, he would even drive me to school across the street and he made my lunch everyday until I graduated high school! My dad is what you would call the jack of all trades. Even at 89 he can fix just about anything, he cooks dinner every night just the same as he did my whole life (I don't even know if my mom can cook) and he is the smartest man I know. He only went to school until the 6th grade but he is well educated and self taught. He was raised poorer then poor, with no shoes or food to eat but he worked hard everyday to get everything he has. He set the example of the type of man that I should marry, he has always been hard working, unselfish, and I never saw my parents fight. They set the bar on marriage and are still going strong after 32 years. He is such a wonderful man and an even better father! Thanks daddy for everything you have done and still do for us. Without you I don't know where I'd be. Happy Birthday and I wish you many many many more! I love you!

30 Days of Thankfulness 2012 :Madison

Today I am thankful for my daughter Madison. Maddie is beautiful, smart, entertaining, and talented. I am thankful that 8 years ago she made me a mommy for the very first time and there hasn't been a dull moment since. She is my mini me in every sense. She looks like me and acts like me.....which isn't always a good thing lol. She is quite the drama queen, although I have no idea where she could have learned that. But I thank God every day for her.

30 Days of Thankfulness 2012 : Love

Today I am thankful for my wonderful husband. I am grateful to have a partner that I can share my life with. He works so hard everyday so that I am able to stay home and take care of the kids. He is an amazing father and person and I love that about him. These last 4 years together have been incredible and I fall more in love with him every day!

30 Day's of Thankfulness 2012 : Happy Veterans Day

I know I missed a few days but the last few days have been so crazy and I was to exhausted to write anything. Since today is Veterans Day, I am thankful for all of the men and women who serve and have served our country and especially those who have laid down their lives for our freedom! Thank You!

Here is a pic of my favorite vet, my dad. He served in World War II in the Navy and this pic is from 1944.

Happy Veterans Day Daddy!

30 Day's of Thankfulness 2012 : Faith

Well the election has ended and Obama will remain for another 4 years. I can't say that I am happy but I know God has greater plans. And today I am thankful for my Faith. I am thankful to have a loving God who is forgiving and loves unconditionally. I am far from perfect and I stumble more then I stand but God has always been right there waiting for me and pulling me up when I fall. He has carried me through so much and welcomed me with open arms when I walked away. So I am thankful for my  personal relationship with Him., and I know he has big plans for my life!

In a world that’s still trembling in the wake of the fall, our hearts are desperate for hope.

They’re hungry for freedom.

They’re longing for redemption.

And here’s the good news.

In Christ, we have all three.

30 Days of Thankfulness 2012 : Rock The Vote!

 This has been one of the most stressful days, lots of traffic and craziness, but I am still thankful. Today is election day! And with that I am thankful for the right to vote!! Whether we have the same beliefs of not exercise your right.Woman were not given that right until 1920 and I am so thankful to be a generation that was given that right! So if you haven't voted yet then get out and do it!

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi 

30 Days of Thankfulness 2012 : Mom

Today I am thankful for my mom. She is such a wonderful and caring person. She would do anything for anyone. She is so giving and is always there for me for whatever I need....even if it's driving to my house to pick up my bank card and bring it to me at Walmart because Leo stole it and forgot to give it back. lol My mom has been running the dance program at the rec center for about 11 yrs and at least 10 yrs at another place before she came to Watersedge. She's there at least 6 days a week and spends hours at home doing paperwork to make sure everything is running smoothly. She's also the most organized person I know, I definitely didn't inherit that gene! But overall I am really lucky to have such a great mom, who has been a great example for me and taught me how to be a mom. Thanks for being a great mom! I love you!

I forgot to add this last night!

30 Days of Thankfulness 2012 : Best friends!

Today I am thankful for my best friend Janelle. Not only is she my BFF but she's Caden's Godmother. I've known her since we were little and she has been there for me through all of the craziness of my life! She's the person I call for everything, if I'm having a bad day, if I need to vent or complain, or even for just a random thought. She's super crafty and creative so between the 2 of us you can only imagine the crazy stuff we come up with. She's also responsible for making the kids cakes. :) 

 Most of the time we share a brain, and know what each other is thinking with just a look. We're so much alike it's scary. We even buy the same clothes, completely accidentally. lol We laugh, cry, gossip, complain, act crazy, shop all day in heals until our feet feel like they are going to fall off, and have laugh hysterically every time we are together. 

I love our girls days out, like today, lunch and shopping all day or our girls night in, baking,drinking wine and staying up all night talking. We have fun no matter what we do.

30 Days of Thankfulness 2012 : Those little moments

Today has been insanely busy. I went from Alanna's dance class, to Caden's 1st soccer game. Then straight to Madison's theatre rehearsal, back to Caden's 2nd and last game of the season, and then back to get Maddie. Needless to say I was ready for bed at 7pm and I'm losing my voice. I'm sure that will make Leo very happy! So we ended the evening with everyone laying in my bed and watching movies :)

Moving on....

It's day 3 of reflecting on what I am thankful for, and today I am thankful for the time I get to spend with my family. Being able to just enjoying laying around and watching movies, and just spending quality time together. I know the time will come before I know it when my kids will never want to be home, so I am grateful for the time that I have to spend with them while they are all still little.

This is from a few weeks ago but I still love it :)

30 Days of Thankfulness 2012: Home is Where The Heart Is

I'm exhausted so this is going to be quick. We had Alanna's school harvest party today and then a quarter auction at my church. So I'm ready for bed, but I didn't want to skip a day already. Especially since I just started. Today I am thankful for a warm house that I can call my own. We were lucky enough to purchase our own home last June. Yes, it's always a mess, but what can I say we are making memories here!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Happy November!

Happy November! It's that time of year again when we all start thinking of the things we are thankful for. I've already seen some on facebook and blogs, and of course this one wont be any different since I also like to reflect of those things that I am grateful for.

This last week has been pretty crazy. in the wake of Hurricane Sandy that hit us on Monday and then Halloween following shortly after, it's been quite chaotic. This past weekend I spent a lot of time stalking Walmart for water and flashlights to prepare for this storm. I bought 15 gallons of water plus a case. I pulled out all of the candles I could find and put them on the counter, and I stocked my cabinets with junk food and we waited.....and waited...and waited. Then we finally went to bed. When we woke up the hurricane had passed and we were so lucky to still have our power and no damages.

So on November 1st I am thankful that we unlike so many still have our power, and we didn't get hit with any damages like with Irene. Also for those who risk their safety to get the power restored to all of those people who did lose power and are still without.





Yesterday was Halloween, we were unsure with all of the storm talk if we were still going to be able to trick or treat. The kids were out of school for Monday and Tuesday but luckily they went back just in time for the to have their annual parade and parties with their class. Although Alanna's is tomorrow since they were closed on Tuesday. The rain stopped and we were able to go trick or treating around the block before heading to church for our Halloween party. Overall it was a nice evening and the kids have more candy then anyone should be allowed, which I of course being such a good momma will have to eat so they don't eat too much candy !

Maddie is Merida from Brave

Caden is Spiderman

Alanna is Tinkerbell

The top pic is the kids and my nieces and the baby pumpkin is my adorable little god daughter Skyler

 And one more of Alanna (just because she's cute) waiting for Maddie and Caden at the parade:

Madison's 8th Birthday

(some of the collage was cut off, click to see full image)

Sunday was little Miss Madison's 8th Birthday! Eight years ago I became a mommy, I can't believe how fast time is flying. She needs to slow down! I'm not ready for all of this growing up. She decided to have her party at Skateland and Monster High themed (although I must admit, I'm not really sure what Monster High was) but she had a blast.She took a few spills, but poor Caden looks like he was beat up. He has bruises all over him from falling, poor guy. But overall it was a lot of fun. 

Madison said "It was the best day EVER!"  So to me that means success!

Watching her grow in these last 8 years has been amazing, she is so smart and talented and I'm so proud to be her mommy :) Happy Birthday beautiful girl!

Alanna made a BFF for the day

Caden attempting to skate

Caden and his buddy Daniel