9th Birthday Thoughts & Video

It amazes me how quickly time passes in our lives. Our days blend together so easily as we get older. When we were children, time seemed to take forever. We couldn't wait for a special event to arrive, usually our birthdays or Christmas. And then, just as quickly as they came, we're longing for the next big event. Now, I wish time would slow down. If not down right stand still for a few moments. I want to enjoy the moments that we're in. The precious conversations with Violet as she shares some exciting tidbit that she learned or just something that made her happy. I want our early morning ritual of her climbing into bed with me, as her Daddy wakes up to start his day at work, to slow down so I can enjoy her deep breathing as she settles back into sleep. 

I want to fully enjoy each precious second that we are blessed to have as a family. Yet, time rushes by and before I know it, it's bedtime and we have to tuck our beautiful girl back into bed for the night. And moments of sadness always pricks my heart as I realize all of the opportunities I've missed that day. No matter how hard I try to prevent it, my days usually end this way.

A moment turns into a day. The day turns into a week. That week quickly turns into a month. And before I know it, another year has come and gone. Such is the case today on Violet's birthday. At the stroke of 1:16 pm, CST, Violet will officially be 9 years old. It is such a bitter sweet moment for me. I miss the little girl whose fingers would gently curl around mine. Now, Violet's hands are nearly as big as my own. I'm so grateful that we have this day to celebrate though. So many families long for a birthday celebration that will never come. Time has literally frozen for them and their babies will always be babies. So, I rejoice on this incredibly special day in my daughter's life. Truly, life is very sweet for us and I thank God for all of it. Even the moments that are hard and leave us scratching our heads on how to proceed with discipline or heartaches. Each precious moment is a gift that I pray to never take for granted.

So much has happened in Violet's 8th year of life. She completed her third year in Classical Conversations and developed stronger friendships with her classmates. Violet fell and broke her nose, resulting in the need for her first (and hopefully last) surgery. She watched her Momma go through a surgery of her own, creating a stronger compassionate heart and a willingness to help more around the house. Violet had her first sleepover with two friends from her school and had the most incredible time! And, she has grown at least another foot taller bringing her close to shoulder height to me. My most favorite event in Violet's life this year though has to be Easter, the day her Daddy baptised her in front of our church and family. Oh, what a blessed event that moment in time was for us!

Each day I think I couldn't possibly love this child any more than what I already do. And each day, my heart is stretched to a greater capacity of love. A love that is so overwhelming that it can paralyze me or create a Motherly fierceness that would do anything to protect her child. A love that has caused me to push aside timidness and advocate for my child, protecting her from the onslaught of a harsh world. A love that caused me to confront a dentist when my daughter wasn't receiving the level of care that she needed and demanded that it be corrected immediately. A love that my concerned husband understood and spurred these parting words to me as I left to confront that particular dentist, "Don't do something to cause you to be arrested." FYI, I was calm but firm when dealing with the dentist and I achieved my goal of getting the help my daughter needed.

So, here I am, thinking about this past year and feeling quite nostalgic. And as in the past, I have created a video slide of Violet for her birthday. I hope you enjoy seeing how much she has changed over the years. 

Happy 9th Birthday, Violet! Your Daddy and I couldn't be more proud of the young lady that you are becoming. So many changes lie ahead for you and our family but we know that you will handle them with style, grace, and your particular flare that is all your own. No matter what the future holds, always remember this... your Daddy and I love you to the heavens and above. You are dearly loved and cherished more than anything in this world. 

We pray that as you grow and mature, that you will hold fast to your faith and remember that Christ loves you. No sin is so great that it can ever separate you from the love of your Heavenly Father and the love of your parents. Your Mommy & Daddy will fail you and disappoint you many times in life but we will always be here for you, baby girl. Our arms and hearts are always open to you, no matter what life throws your way. 

Have a blessed day Sweetheart! And may there be many, many more birthdays for you to celebrate in life.

Love always,
Mommy & Daddy 

Firsts

It hasn't sunk in yet that Violet just turned eight. I look at my baby girl and am amazed at how quickly she is growing up. Seriously, where does the time go? 

We celebrated Violet's birthday with family last weekend. Her Mimi and Pops flew down from Michigan and we got to spend her birthday with them and Gregg's sister and her family. We've not gotten to do that since Violet turned four, so that was a real treat for us. Beyond the special time spent with family, Violet's grandparents took her to Toys R' Us for a birthday shopping spree. They gave her a set amount of money she could spend for whatever she wanted within that price range. Within moments, it seemed like Violet was on a treasure hunt. Girlfriend was born to shop!  

Violet's big request for her birthday this year was to have a slumber party. She has been asking to have one for over a year now. After deciding that having two friends over would be the best way to ease into the world of sleep-overs, it was time to figure out who to invite. We thought about it for a little while and figured two friends from our home school group would be fun. School starts in a few weeks and this would give the girls a fun experience to talk about at lunch. 

I'm typing this as my precious daughter and two of her friends are sleeping in our living room. Violet's first slumber party. The girls seem to have had a great night so far - swimming, pizza, cake, movie, popcorn and lots of giggles. They've been so well behaved and after some gentle convincing to go to bed they have finally settled into sleep. It only took them an hour and a half to settle down after the lights were turned out. I think I've been pretty lucky so far!

As I'm sitting here, I am drawn to memories of other "firsts" in Violet's life - her first kick in my womb. Her first cries at birth. Her first words - Dada, duck and Mommy. Her first steps. So many firsts in her life and now this one. Each one so precious. Each one a gift from God. 

Thirty Days of Thankfulness

It is entirely too easy to get swept up in the rush of the holidays. As we prepare to go into our first day of December, I thought it would be nice to think of the last thirty days of November and be mindful of what we're thankful for.

Here are my Thirty Days of Thankfulness...
1. My God who created the earth and all that is in it. He knows not only my name but He knows my innermost thoughts and the number of hairs on my head. He knows my heart, my joy and my pain. He cherishes me and loves me and counts me as His own.
2. My husband. Greggory's patience with me has been endless. I am thankful that God created him. He is a wonderful husband and father.
3. My beautiful daughter. It was a struggle to bring Violet into this world. God's hand was on her before she was even conceived, bringing her into our life when we were told she may not make it. She's beaten the odds of a complicated pregnancy, a pre-term birth, and severe reflux as a baby - she's healthy and she's happy. What more could a parent ask for?
4. My incredible parents, George & Dena. They gave me a home, a name, and a family. Life could have been so different for me had they not chosen to adopt a child. I may not have been born to them but I am very much their child! They love me unconditionally and they've provided incredible things for me. I don't tell them often enough but I love them beyond words.
5. I'm thankful for adoption! I don't know who my biological parents are. Honestly, I don't really care to know them. Not because I don't care about them but because I love my family. I am so thankful for their difficult decision to give me up for adoption. They didn't have to give me life but they cherished it above the freedom of not bringing a child into this world. My biological mother sacrificed nine months of her life so that I may have mine. Whoever you are, thank you!
6. My in-laws, Garry & Paula. You raised an incredible son who turned into an amazing husband and father. He learned these things from you! You have accepted me into your family as one of your own and I love you.
7. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for my sins. His love has redeemed me of my sins and failures.
8. Laughter. The world would be a better place if we laughed more.
9. Books. I am such a book worm and would be lost without them.
10. I am thankful for each of my friends. They all bring out the best in me and have helped shape me into who I am today. I am a better person from knowing you and being allowed to be a part of your lives. I love you!
11. I'm thankful for the roof over our heads.
12. I'm thankful for the food on our table. We are incredibly blessed by the bounty we are provided.
13. I am thankful for my church, Cross Community Church. We are so blessed by the people God placed in our lives. I look forward to seeing what He has in store for our church and the impact it'll make on our community.
14. I am thankful for the freedom of speech. I may not be the most eloquent person but I'm allowed to share my voice.
15. Photography - the memories it helps me to hold dear, the beauty it can bring into my life... I simply love it.
16. Our military. They put their lives on the line to protect my rights and my freedoms. Without them we wouldn't be the great country that we are.
17. Cuddling with my child. To have Violet nestled next to me is such a pleasure and a joy. It also is a little bittersweet too because I remember how easily she used to fit in my arms.
18. I am thankful for the freedom to educate Violet at home and for the wonderful group we're a part of. Classical Conversations of Katy has made a tremendous difference in our lives. We are a part of an incredible group and the families are all amazing.
19. I am thankful for music. Music is an outlet for every emotion that you have.
20. Traditions. I love passing things down to Violet that I did as a child. Something as simple as snapping green beans together while watching the Macy's parade is a special time.
21. I am thankful for Gregg's new job. So many people are seeking employment right now.
22. I am thankful for good health for my family and myself.
23. Our history - it reminds us of where we've been and hopefully it shows us how far we've come.
24. I'm thankful for quiet time with Gregg. We don't get a whole lot of that and when we do, I cherish it.
25. Date nights! There is no questioning that we love our daughter but without time alone we aren't as good of parents as we hope to be.
26. I'm thankful for good babysitters. They make mine and Gregg's time together that much more enjoyable. It's not easy trusting you child's care to others which makes finding ones you trust so important.
27. My big bathtub. It is where I retreat to when I'm exhausted or stressed and I can be rejuvenated.
28. This may sound silly, but I'm thankful for facebook. It can be a huge waste of time for me if I'm not careful but it has helped me reconnect with old friends.
29. Another silly thing I'm thankful for, Pinterest. Yes, this can be another waste of time but my family is better fed because of it. I've found so many wonderful new recipes and home school ideas on Pinterest, so it's not a total waste of time.
30. I am thankful for time. Time with my husband, my daughter, my parents, my extended family, my friends. Time to rest and time to do things. Time to enjoy the life that I've been blessed with and all that comes with it - joy, sadness, pleasure, pain. Time, it can go so slowly but usually it seems like it rushes by too quickly.

What are you thankful for?

Joyous Sounds

I'm awake in the wee hours of the morning. Sleep eludes me. Normally, I wouldn't be happy about this situation. But right now I'm thankful to be awake. There is a slow rumble of thunder and rain is dancing on the roof. These are joyous sounds to my ears and I'd be missing them if I were asleep. Even to hear the slurry sound of water as tires drive over it makes me happy. I love a good rain storm even when we're not in a drought. But I thank God, and am most grateful, for a rain storm when we are in a drought.

Thank you Lord!

Sickness & Blessings

You might be wondering how the two go hand in hand. In our case, they really don't, but you'll understand the title in a moment.

One bug or another has been making its rounds in our little family. Well, not all of us. Just me and kiddo actually. Gregg, thankfully, has a magical immunity and rarely gets sick. Violet doesn't get sick very often but once she does it takes a while for her to get over it. Me, if you sneeze in the general vicinity of me I'm likely to catch something. My immune system is null and void. And no, I'm not imagining things. A fever doesn't lie folks.

So, that's where we've been at the last few weeks. Ain't life grand?!!


I had to take Violet out of school early because she started to run a fever again. Her sinuses have been screwed up due to all the spring allergies and wind we've had lately. When she woke up yesterday, her voice had dropped three octaves. Violet wasn't running a fever when we left for school and didn't act sick. All that changed in a three hour time frame.

It was a heartbreaking scene when I told Violet we had to go home. The water-works came on so suddenly and so hard that you would have thought she had gotten hurt. But she wasn't. She just didn't want to leave school. And that right there is a crazy example of blessing number one. How incredible is it that my daughter loves her homeschool program so much that she'll cry at the thought of leaving it?

Our homeschool group had a fundraiser for one week, which closed today. We have a sweetheart of a mom who sells Thirty-One products. She held a catalog party and then donated all the proceeds to our group's facility fund, which is going up next year. So basically, she worked this party for free! That's blessing number two.

I went through the catalog and developed quite a wish list. It was hard to choose just one item to buy. I finally settled on the Large Utility Tote. The practicality of the bag was just too overwhelming for me not to get it. I carry a TON of items to school on the days we meet and really needed something that would hold everything. Also, with summer already breathing down our necks here in the south, I can use the bag to carry everything to the pool. No more juggling four or five things and a bag that barely holds our towels! Even though I purchased this bag, this is blessing number three.

We are truly blessed to be a part of the Katy, Texas branch of Classical Conversations for many, many reasons. The curriculum speaks for itself. It is hard (especially this year's cycle) but fun at the same time. A love of learning has been instilled in Violet and renewed in me. We have an incredible group of families who all bring their unique qualities to our program. Everyone works hard to make things run smoothly and we all get along. A group of forty or so women who all get along is pretty amazing if you ask me!

Not every branch does things like our does. We all follow the same outline for the most part. Meaning, if you go from one branch to another, you'll be in the same cycle and working on the same material. We all start and end at the same times. We cram as much as possible into a three hour morning session, then lunch, and then an afternoon program. A LOT of material is covered in one day! Violet and I are usually so tired when we come home that we veg out until the next day. Dinner on those nights are always simple and easy.

Our director though has planned many outside things. She has worked hard to ensure that our families develop relationships within our group. We have a Mother's Night Out once a month. We keep in contact throughout the week through email in regards to many different things: outside learning opportunities, field trips, questions and support, and prayer. We are a little different in our morning assembly as well, which happens to be one of my favorite times of the day. We have time set aside to start our day with worship. Just a few songs but it really sets the tone for the day. We have joined this group not only for the outstanding curriculum but also because it's Christ centered. And to start your day off with worship is yet another blessing to be incredibly grateful for.

Amazed

It amazes me how when you want to bless someone you are the one who ends up being blessed. A friend called me the other day while at her wits end and needed help with a big project. I was honored to be the one she called and gladly agreed to come over and help her. That's what friends are for, right? To be there to offer help when your friend needs it.

Kiddo and I showed up at her home at the agreeded upon time. After laying out the ground rules to Violet I let her run off to play with my friend's kids. She walked me through the house to where she needed help tackling, appologizing for needing my help. Really, things weren't that bad. There was some challenges but it wasn't completely overwhelming to me. But it was to her and that's why I was there. To help straighten up a big room, organizing and purging things from it.

My friend is in the process of preparing for a garage sale. She had several items ready to take to the garage but wanted to show me a few things first. There was a beautiful quilt bedding set that was perfect for a little girl's room, along with several other items. My friend gave us that lovely bedding set and my heart swelled with joy and gratefulness. Here's why: I flipped through a Pottery Barn Kids catalogue recently and saw a bedding set that I loved which is almost identical to the one my friend just gave me! I flagged the page and started caculating how long it would take me to save up enough money to buy that set. And here I was today, being blessed by my friend, who I came to help/bless, with a gift that fulfilled a desire to dress up my daughter's room. The following photo doesn't do the bedding justice but you get the general idea of it.


My friend also loaned me several books that help teach reading. Violet has struggled with learning to read and it has been quite disheartening to me. Gregg and I love to read and have wanted to pass that love of books to our daughter. She loves being read TO, she just doesn't want to read. As I shared that with my friend, she took me by the hand and led me to her library, and said, "These have worked wonders for my kids. Take these home and use them for a while. I bet Violet will be reading better in NO time!" Again, my heart leapt with joy and hope began to burn again in my spirit.

I am amazed, and stunned, by how God turned this around on me. I went to my friend's house to help her and to be a blessing to her. I didn't expect to get anything in return for helping her. I enjoy helping friends, especially when it comes to organizing things. I don't know why, I'm just wired that way. Also, this was a way for me to get to know her better. Yet, somehow the blessings were turned around and placed on me.

6th Birthday Video

I know I posted a video yesterday but this is the easiest way to show you the festivities of the day. Enjoy!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I Am Blessed

I have some amazing friends that God placed in my life over the years. One in particular, Karen B. We met several years ago while we were in college. Go SADERS!!! (University of Mary-Hardin Baylor) Karen and I lived in the same dorm and met by chance one day while I was sitting on the steps to our dorm waiting on Gregg to pick me up for dinner. We struck up a conversation and quickly became friends. And, the rest is history.

Fast forward seventeen years later and Karen and I are still close friends. She was a bridesmaid in mine and Gregg's wedding. And, she and Gregg are actually very good friends too. Karen came and spent a few days with us shortly after Violet was born to share in our joy and to help around the house. Karen has seen me at my best and has never judged me when I'm at my worst. Our friendship is one where we can pick up right where we left off, even if we haven't seen each other in a few years. And mostly, our friendship is more like a family relationship more than anything. We may not be biological sisters but our bond feels as if we are. You can't ask for a better type of friendship!

I'm bringing this all up because I am visiting my dear friend this weekend. It has been a while since we've had any one-on-one time and so here I am. Gregg and Violet are back at home enjoying their father/daughter time together while I'm enjoying some time away from home. I miss Gregg and Violet terribly but I'm not letting that bring me down. I've needed this time away just as much as I needed to spend some time with my friend. Karen works overseas which makes this time together even more special.

I've not had the best track record with friends over the years. And I'm not exactly sure why that is. So, when a friend sticks with me through the years, like Karen has, I notice it and I thank God for it!!! When was the last time you looked at your friendships and been amazed by the generosity of their friendship? Have you thanked God for placing them in your lives? Have you thanked your friends for sticking with you through thick and thin? Through trials and joys? Through the good and the bad? Because, a good friend is hard to find and a blessing to be grateful for.

May you be blessed by your friendships and may you be a blessing to your friends!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentines Day! May your heart be filled with love, joy, and find delight in your loved ones today and always. May you experience your heart squeeze with love with each giggle and smile from the ones you love. And may you never go a day without saying, or hearing, "I love you".

The Blessing of Friendship

I consider myself a blessed woman. God has placed incredible people in my life who love me and accept me as I am. I can trust their advice and know that they have my best interests at heart. Years can come and go and our friendships will only grow stronger with time. I am a better person just by knowing them and I pray that my friendship blesses them in return. These are the things that I pray Violet has in her friendships. I pray that she has wonderful friends and is an even better friend in return. And if Violet has just one friend like I do in Karen, then she will be blessed beyond measure.


Thank you Karen for spending some of your precious time back in the States with me and my little family. We love you beyond measure and are so fortunate to be able to count you as our friend. You are always in our prayers.

A Life Lesson

At some point one would think enough is enough. We get over one health issue and then another seems to slap us in the face. Our health is mocking us. We'll start to feel like things are looking up for us and then bam, something else goes wrong. Enough is enough!!!

We finally got through the stomach virus that seemed to go on forever. I'm feeling better from my surgery, finally. Now, I'm battling migraines again. Two days with one. Enough is enough.

Violet came home today with a bit of a swollen eye. Dark and a slight discharge. I foresee a visit to the pediatrician in the near future. Gregg and I don't think it's pink eye and are hoping it's just allergies. We'll know more in the morning when our little girl wakes up. Enough is enough.

Still, we are counting our blessings, and yes, there are some blessings to be counted. I'm no longer in pain from ovarian cysts and endomitriosis and have healed from the surgery. The stomach virus is gone. We have a roof over our heads, food on our table and clothes on our backs. So, in the grand scheme of things, we're doing pretty well. It's all a matter of perspective. Sometimes we have to look for the blessings and be content with what we have rather than focus on the negative. It's not always easy to do that but I'd rather teach that lesson to Violet than have her focus on the bad in life. Sometimes it is just as simple as looking at the glass as half full rather than half empty.

As for the migraines, just like the other health issues we've dealt with thus far, this too shall pass. So, in the meantime, I'm gonna do my best to focus on the good, ignore the unpleasant, and teach my daughter to do the same. It's good to be content with the blessings we have.

Goodies!

My friend Jenni had a giveaway on her blog recently and I am pleased as punch that I was the winner. Jenni put alot of tea goodies in the giveaway and this is an added blessing to me since I've been working diligently to wean myself off of the sodas. I'm not a fan of drinking plain water. I will drink the necessary daily ounces I'm supposed to consume but it's not easy for me. Tea is my saviour in this area.

What I'm most excited about though is the book that was included in the giveaway, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, by Andrew Peterson. I'm a sucker for books! This book has been dubbed a "riveting tale-for-all-ages". My friend Jenni, and others, have had nothing but excellent things to say about this book and their enthusiasm has rubbed off on me. I've been looking forward to buying a copy of it as soon as I could. Now, I don't have to. There's nothing more exciting for a lover of books than to get a book, or two, for free! I feel like a kid who has been hunting for Easter eggs and made out with a great loot of items!. And speaking of eggs, Jenni included a pretty little blue wooden egg in with the goodies.


Also included in the goody bag were three lovely postcards and a letterpress card. The postcards have the softest lighting, casting the pictures in a soothing shade. They are of a bedroom, a meal and a sheep in a field. For some reason, when I look at these postcards the theme, "Sleep well, Eat well, Live well" comes to mind. The letterpress card is of a flower of some sort but the way the leaves are angled it reminds me of an angel taking flight. I've carefully placed these items on my bulletin board. I wouldn't call my bulletin board an inspiration board but it makes me happy. And it's a work in progress.

I am loving my goodies and just wanted to thank my friend Jenni for them. I was fortunate to have my name drawn as there were 29 names put in the basket. Thank you Jenni for the wonderful goodies and for the wonderful meal you and Johnny provided for our family, we can't wait to dig in! We are blessed beyond measure to know you and to be able to call you friend. May you be blessed today and always.

Birthday Blessings

My father-in-law's birthday was yesterday (sorry for the delay). Just as it is with my mother-in-law, a girl couldn't ask for a better father-in-law. Let me just say, I've been greatly blessed in the family department, on both sides.

Garry had a good day with his family and at church. The oldest of their "second-set" of kids is home for spring break. I'm not sure how much time she's spending at home, as there's so much to catch up on, but I know that Garry is happy to have her home for the week. We wish we could have been there to celebrate Garry's day but had to settle for a phone call.

Violet got to share with her Pops that she had the opportunity to ride a donkey at church (an activity for the kids to experience how Jesus had His triumphant entry into Jerusalem). She also talked about how she is enjoying daycare and that she likes her teachers. Most of all, Violet wished her Pops a happy birthday. I'm sure she was wishing she was able to enjoy some of the birthday cake but was very good about not begrudging him that pleasure.

Garry, thank you for being such a wonderful father, father-in-law and Pops for our family. You have blessed us just by being a part of our lives. May you be blessed beyond measure today and always. Happy Birthday!

(The picture above is of Garry and baby Chloe, my niece.)

Comfort

We had another great morning this morning. Violet woke up in a great mood and was very easy to work with as we prepared for the day. My favorite part of the morning... Violet "cooking" breakfast and making drinks for me. Our little girl was working hard at the art of play and it was very entertaining to watch. I love mornings like today's.

After Gregg and Violet left, the house suddenly became quiet and still. My wish for sound was soon granted as the weather outside took a turn towards a storm. The wind was blowing like mad and the rain was being blown in sheets. Our windows on the patio were getting the most rain they have seen since we've moved in. The sounds of the storm were glorious to me. They were quite soothing and I didn't feel as alone as I did before my family left for the day. In a way it felt like God was comforting me in my loneliness, filling the voids of sound that were left behind. As the wind blew outside it blew away any sadness that I was feeling and rest soon settled upon me. And yet again, God gave me exactly what I needed at the exact time I needed it. He never ceases to amaze me.

Blessings

We have some amazing friends and we're constantly amazed by their generosity and prayers. Our friends, Johnny and Jenni, provided an incredible meal for our family last week after my surgery. Today, our friends from Ohio, Phil and Missy, ordered us a pizza and salad from a local pizza place. The pizza was wonderful and now we have a pizza place that we know is good around here.

It's times like these when you find out who your friends are. We have been blessed beyond measure by friends who have been lifting us up in prayer. That has been the greatest gift we've received throughout all of this. The meals have been an added blessing for us. Gregg has been the only truly functioning adult in our house for a while now and anything that eliminates some work for him is a double blessing. He gets some much needed rest and we're able to relax a little more due to the extra time.

Today's meal was just what we needed. Gregg came home from work yesterday with a low grade fever and all that accompanies it... chills, aches, exhaustion, just to name a few. On top of it all, Violet had a terrible cough last night. She barely slept which meant that no one in the house really slept. I tried to help take care of Violet but wasn't able to do what I wanted. Pain made my movements slow and restricted and Violet just wanted her Daddy. I basically got in the way, unfortunately. So today we feasted on pizza and salad througout the day, eating it for a late lunch and again for dinner.

I talked Gregg into staying home today so that he could catch up on some much needed rest. He called in to work and explained how he was feeling and immediately felt bad at not being able to go in. This man rarely gets sick and it's hard for him to relax when he is. Worry seeps in when he's still and makes it hard for Gregg to surrender to rest. While my beloved has been working tirelessly to take care of his family he has neglected to take care of himself. Today's rest was exactly what he needed. I'm trying to convince Gregg to stay home tomorrow, Friday, so he can get more rest and be refreshed by Monday. I don't want him to go back to work too quickly and set himself back another step. It's not much but it's all I can do right now to help my husband.

As for Violet, she's been hanging in there throughout all of this. The past two days she has been in wonderful spirits. Her laughter filled the voids of the house this morning and again when she came home. I played a short game of hide and seek with Violet this morning before she left for her day at daycare and she came home wanting to play with her Mommy again. This evening I wasn't able to play a game of hide and seek and so we pulled out an activity book and began searching for the items in it. It was a wonderful time of fun and most importantly, it was time spent together. It was incredible having Violet's attention today for the short time we had and I am still inhaling the scent of happiness that it left in its wake.

Optimistic

February appears to be determined to be a crummy month for us no matter how hard we try to fight it. First there was the stomach bug that Violet had, twice no less, so technically that's one and two. Third, Gregg came down with the stomach virus. Fourth, I've been having cyst pain. And finally, fifth, I came down with a nasty cold that has bitten me hard right on the tush! My body aches and my sinuses are out of whack.

I called my doctor's office and spoke with his nurse regarding the cold. I was worried that it would affect my having surgery on Tuesday. Come to find out, I had good cause to be concerned. If I'm not feeling a great deal better by Monday then they're going to want to reschedule the surgery. I don't actually want to have surgery but know that I need it and I just want to get it over and done with. I don't want to drag things out any longer.

Frustration is setting in and I've been trying my best not to let it bring my spirits down. The last thing I need right now is to get a bad case of the grumpys in all of this. I'm already difficult to live with right now and can only imagine how long it would take before my family strangled me if I developed a bad attitude. It's during this time that I have to remind myself that there is a reason, a purpose, for me to go through this, for my family to go through this. And even though there are times when it feels like it's too much to handle, I know that God wouldn't put us through more than He knows we're capable of dealing with.

I remind myself that people are praying for us while we are in the midst of these trials and am grateful for their interceding on our behalf. God has been good to us in all of this. We've found a good daycare that Violet enjoys and we feel safe with her being in. I have excellent medical care through an amazing doctor, who is a Christian by the way (always a plus). We have insurance that will cover most of our medical expenses once we meet our deductible. We have more things to be grateful for than things to grumble about and I have to remind myself of this, often.

It's easy, too easy actually, to lose perspective when things go awry in life. When we start to look at things through dark tinted lenses we can get lost in the negative things and forget to look for the positive. Maybe I'm too optimistic but it's that optimism, the thought of better things to come, that gets me through times like these. I'd rather see the glass as half full than half empty. Just as spring is around the corner so it is in my life and the lives of my family. A new day is coming and with it brings new possibilities and new hopes, new things to be grateful for.

Cherished Moments

We began dealing with the stomach bug again that hit Violet earlier this month. Violet came home last Friday after a day at school (daycare) not feeling well. We weren't sure if she was just tired or if it was something else. Our fears were confirmed that it was indeed the stomach bug again when she got sick later that evening. All night and most of the day Saturday was spent near a trash can or a toilet, trying to help Violet reach the desired target whenever she got sick.

It has been a challenge to keep Violet hydrated since she doesn't want to drink much. I ran out to the store several times yesterday getting various items in hopes that she'd eat or drink just a little something. Finally, we gave her a Popsicle and she enjoyed the coolness of it that she thankfully ate it.

Understandably, Violet has been very clingy the past few days. She has wanted to snuggle with her Daddy and I and we've enjoyed the closeness. When Violet feels well she is too busy moving around to sit still and cuddle with us for any real amount of time. So, we take these moments however we can get them although we'd prefer it if she didn't feel so badly.

Nothing can make a parent feel more out of control than when their child is ill. You want to make things better for them and know that all you can do is offer comfort. You have to ride the wave until it loses its strength and runs its course.
Last night, Gregg and I went in to care for Violet at the same time when we heard her cry. Our little girl cried for her Daddy, knowing that she would draw strength and comfort from him. As Gregg gathered Violet in his arms I was moved to tears. He is so good with her and my heart swelled with love and gratitude for my beloved. I sat on the floor next to them just trying to be near the two I love most in this world. I stroked Violet's forehead and hair as gently as I could, comforting her the same way my Mother offered it to me as a child. And I prayed for my family as I looked at their two beautiful faces in the soft dappled glow of light from a nearby nightlight. There was no place I would have rather been at that moment than with my little family as it was a moment to be cherished and remembered.

The Best Mother-In Law A Girl Could Want

Today is my mother in-law's birthday. I am VERY fortunate in having such a wonderful mother-in law. I've heard so many horror stories of other women and I wonder if they're real because I am so blessed by mine. Violet's MiMi W. is a wonderful woman and we wish her the happiest of birthdays!

Be blessed today MiMi!

(The picture is of MiMi W. with Violet's new cousin.)

Brushstrokes In The Sky

Last Monday, on our way home from a doctor's appointment, we saw the most extraordinary sunset ever. I wish I had my camera with me so that I could have captured it with my lens. Words cannot adequately describe the beauty of that sunset. There were the most glorious hues of blue, purple, orange, red and pink in that sunset. Perfect brushstrokes of color on the canvas of the sky.

While driving home I realized there were hundreds of people on the same road we were on but were not able to enjoy the beauty right before their eyes. Thankfully they had their eyes on the road. But what I wouldn't have given for traffic to stop so that everyone could enjoy the beautiful sky that I was enjoying, so that everyone could see the glorious sky that the Master Painter created for us to see.

As Gregg was driving our little family home I was in awe of what was before us. Violet was able to see the sky from her seat in the back and she said it was B-U-TI-FUL! and indeed it was.

Joyful Sounds

I'm sitting here on the couch, bundled up in a nice and cozy blanket. It's cold outside and rain has been falling off and on throughout the day. All the makings of a wonderful day spent indoors. How could life get any better right now? Listening to your child giggle as she listens to a bedtime story that her Daddy is reading to her. Violet's laughter is music to my ears and brings me such joy. Knowing that her Daddy is bringing forth that laughter makes my heart melt with love. I am an incredibly blessed woman and I love my little family.