A Few Christmas Pictures

Sweet Levi was throwing up and had diarrhea for 4 days before Christmas. He barely ate anything and slept tons. He is the best sick baby - he sleeps a lot and snuggles.

Twins

Kyle gave Levi his present right away tonight! He has been so excited to give it to him. Levi got to wear it tonight when we went to the Broadmoor.

One thing I haven't quite mastered is the art of always having my camera ready and within reach. Like the time Levi had a diaper rash and let him air dry (as I normally do) before I caked the diaper creme on: I was reading on the couch, Levi was playing with his toys, I started to smell something unpleasant, after a few minutes I could STILL smell WHATEVER it was...I look over and Levi is standing in his poop, with a pacifier in his mouth that has poop on it, his legs, face and hands covered in poop. Yuck. I immediately felt like a bad parent and decided I would never tell anyone. After cleaning him up I called and told my mom...the first thing out of her mouth? "Did you get a picture?" "NO!! I didn't get a picture! My son was standing there covered in poop, with a poopy pacifier in his mouth!!" Brenda will appreciate that story. She has more kid poop stories than anyone I know. I was even a participant in cleaning some of them up.

So, all that to say, I finally got a picture of Levi doing something funny. It is no match for the poop story, not nearly as gross or funny, but I was proud of myself for grabbing my cell phone camera!! Next time I will get a picture with my real camera!!

We have set up a chair barracade to contain Levi. I was about to get him dressed for swim lessons and I found him teetering on his head, in the middle of an escape attempt, half crying and half laughing.

My Life

I could not be happier. When John and I first got married he wanted kids bad. I wanted to wait 5 years. We compromised and waited 3 years. I love my sleep, I even liked being selfish sometimes, I like doing what I wanted...I didn't want to give that up. Selfish, wasn't it? I never could have known that it's worth it. Even with the pregnancy I had - I can't wait to have more. From the second Levi was born I was in love with being his mom. The sleepless nights were tough, the demands of breastfeeding every 3 hours around the clock, and not having the option to do what I wanted, when I wanted, was new territory. However, I have never once look back and longed for the days before Levi. My parents have always told us that every age is better than the one before, they have always lived by example of cherishing every second with us. I know that has shaped who I am as a mother and wife. My mom would tell me how she cherished every second she had with us a babies when we would wake up in the night to be fed. Levi is amazing. I can't believe we have been blessed with such a blessing. What did I do to deserve this amazing life as John's wife and Levi's mom? I couldn't ask for more (well, maybe some more amazing little ones!!)!! I am so thankful that as I look back I loved every second. I didn't long for the next stage - I cherished the present. What a gift my parents have given me and our family. I know I wouldn't be the type of parent who enjoys it ALL. I would hate the sleepiness, the monotony and long for my selfish days - I would hate the continual inconveniences that now are my life. The legacy they have laid is priceless.

Fun in Arizona

Kalyn and Levi got to meet and play together.

Robin and I got to hang out and actually have some conversation while the babes slept!!

The is THE "Look" of mischief!!!




Helping Grandpa. This should not be done at home, unless under strict supervision (all for the sake of a picture):


Levi is in love with Poppy's hats!! Anytime he sees him and he doesn't have a hat on he is very confused!!

A Couple More

Fall Fun

We started swim lessons again!!




Learning how a life jacket feels:



Reading after swim lessons:

Green Mountain Falls

Nothing Like a Bath in a Cowboy Hat

Another Haircut

Levi got another haircut today. It's a little shorter than I wanted it but it will grow!!

Life's Inventory

About a month ago Levi and I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for a book honoring Cancer Survivors. Some of the women in the book are currently going through treatment and some are a few years out. Each individual had their picture taken with a sword. The sword signifies the triumph over cancer. Levi was included in the photo because of God's hand in protecting my female organs. Last night was the Book Signing for this project. What an honor. The books were sold in conjunction with Memorial Hospital and all proceeds go towards a retreat for women going through treatment.

October 11th marked the 11th year anniversary of the surgery removing the grapefruit sized mass. In the past 10 years I have never been in a room full of women who have walked through cancer. To be in a room full of women who have all walked through chemo treatments, all been sick, all lost their hair and everything else that treatment entails was simply amazing. I loved talking to each woman and hearing her story. I was honored to be in their presence and to see the hand of God in each life. The book is entitled "Life's Inventory: Strength, Faith, Family"

I have never thought of myself as a "cancer survivor". I don't know why, I just don't, I never have. I've always seen that time in my life as a tremendous blessing - it didn't feel like i was trying to overcome something bigger than me. Yes, it was incredibly difficult, I cried many tears, it was scary and overwhelming as times - but God's presence was so strong that I didn't waver. I felt like God was trusting me with something precious. I wanted to make my Daddy proud. One night as I prayed and sat in the Lord's presence I felt like the Lord whispered to me that the wig I wore was a crown that He had bestowed upon me. The Lord was "crowning" me during that time. I wasn't taking that as being exceptional or better than anyone else. It was more like my Heavenly Daddy was smiling down me and I was basking in His adoration. Even now, as I write, it is hard to comprehend. I felt like He trusted me.

This is a part of my story that I am always contemplating what God wanted it to mean. I don't want to miss what He has for me. I don't want others to miss something He has for them because of me. I love when God provides opportunities to use something I learned a long time ago to check where I am right now. I don't want to take life, love, good health, friends, or family...all the simple things in life....for granted.

Only at Grandma and Grandpa's

He's Cute - I Might Be Biased Though :-)

Fun at the Park