Moving day!

The last week has been filled with yucky carpet, new hardwood and carpet, and lots and lots of cleaning. It will all be worth it when we can finally say we are home. This has been a long summer and I think the kids have made the best of it, despite my attitude some days. It will be over soon and they can have their toys back, regular bed/bath times, and a yard all their own! I have prayed for that for them for many weeks now. I'm taking my time unpacking this time. I'll do their rooms first and then organize when Cody is asleep and Ani is at school. We have the long weekend too where we can trade working and playing. It is a nice house that will hopefully be HOME soon. Ani is doing so well in school and likes her new friends. I know the summer isolation was tough for her but it is finally almost over! Cody is potty training. He does great when mommy focuses. Soon I can focus again. Wish us luck and send us prayers! There is a lot of pizza and subs in our next few days. As in the poem "Footprints", I see only one set of footprints leading us today and I am so greatful!

Moving update from June 15, 2012

Each day is filled with a list of things to do and folks to see. I'm busy keeping the kids happy and spending time with friends. I thought our roots in Virginia weren't deep, but I was wrong. Sometimes I'm too self-centered to appreciate the love and comradery that has surrounded us for the past two years. That has given me a renewed confidence that this move will lead us to special people that will become part of our hearts. Ani had her first girl's sleepover. Marsha, thankfully came to help. She has such a good time and all of the girls got along so well. They played games, painted nails, giggled, watched tv and ate. I think she had such a great time and so did Cody. He thought he was so big! On Tuesday the movers came to estimate how much stuff we had. That may the move very real. I'm starting to pack the things we need for a week in transit and what we want to have in the apartment, or wherever we live. It is a bit overwhelming to decipher but I'm trying. I do hate to say goodbye! I do not like change! I do like and adventure and I'm looking forward to watching my kids discovering the West and all that that can encompass. We will be ok and I hope and pray that we thrive. Focus! Faith! Tolerance! Peace! That is what I cling to these days.

Another first

Today was Ani's first day of 3rd grade. She was very reserved this morning. I was surprized. We drove to the new house then walked to school. She has to wait in line outside the classroom until the bell but she chose to stand with Cody and I until time to go in. I was glad to hang onto her a few moments more! When it came time to go she was hesitant but went on in by herself. When I came to get her, she ran out and gave me the longest, intense hug (as if to reassure herself she was safe in my arms again). It was precious and my goal in life is to earn a hug like that from each of them every day! A lot of news/firsts right now for both of my precious babies! Codyman, as he calls himself these days, is potty training. Doing pretty well most days. Even pooped for the first time last Wednesday, aug 15. So proud of both of my babies!

On the road

We are on the road again, well almost. Ani is on the road and had finally learned to ride her bike. I'm so excited for her and this new freedom. It will come with bumps and bruises but well worth it. I know as a parent that I should teach Cody before he is eight. As for the rest of us, the move is becoming so real for us as we enter the last week in VA. I'm am thankful for the peace that God has given me! As long as I stay focused, my burden is not my own.

Second one down

So second grade is done! It was a sad day for Ani, therefore it was a sad day for me. She didn't want to say good bye to her teacher, Mrs. Monceaux. We have been blessed with wonderful, caring teachers for her thus far. I'm greatful for those with a gift to teach. Not just to teach but to inspire, love, encourage and challenge! My sweet girl has grown so much and is embracing this new chapter of our lives. Our days will not all be easy as move from the familiarity of our Virginia home to the vast Denver horizon. However, we will be together and I am a better person for having these beautiful little people in my life. I hope one day they can say the same about me.

Ch ch ch changes

Changes come big and small, fast and slow, happy and sad. I think we have all of them rolled into the last month. First today. My little boy is growing so fast I cannot catch my breath to even say slow down. Today he went pee in the potty, twice! He loves candy and sweets so I think I will have to find a healthy sweet treat to keep him motivated. As for my sweet pea, she finishes second grade tomorrow. She is so sweet and so mature. I just can't stand the thoughts of third grade. She lost another tooth yesterday and got a silver crown from the dentist. She has been identified as gifted in reading and math. I always knew she was special and now the schools will know it too! I know I push her so hard, as I want her to be great and get those things she wants in life. For now, I hold them in my arms, we do tye dye, make cookies, and sing silly songs off key as drive from place to place. It has it's moments of frustration, but I wouldn't change a thing! I love these guys! Pictures tomorrow!

All gone

I know someday my son will not appreciate this entry. As we are driving home from taking Ani to school, I hear him say "Mommy, I ate my nose all gone." I said what? And he repeat again the same sentence. I asked "are you talking about boogers?" and he responds "yes mommy."

Gross and funny! How do I break this?

It's spring

It's spring, although it has felt like spring all winter. I am letting Cody go outside and play with Ani in the back yard. He loves it and she can play her reindeer games with someone new this year. So today, he was playing outside and when he came in, he handed me a petal from the magnolia tree next door and said "mom, I bring you a flower." My heart melted as he stood their grinning. I gave him a big hug and he quickly hurried back outside. In a few minutes, he returned with another petal and shortly after, another. He was so proud and I saw a sweet little man growing up too soon.

I am so thankful for this time with my kids and pray I can treasure these moments!

Eight is enough

My sweet, funny, energetic, creative little girl is 8 years old today. I hope she knows that as much as I push her with responsibility and duty, I really wish she would stay little longer. I'm fascinated with what she knows and how she thinks. I don't always understand the stories or jokes she tells. I just hope deep down she knows that I love her and I'm not too busy raising her to hug her everyday! She is such an awesome kid. I need to do a better job of telling her that.

So cheers to the kid, the love of my life, my sweet baby Ani. I love you and happy 8th birthday.

Words

Not to brag about my kids, but they are amazing. Teachers are working with her to test her abilities right now. They think she may qualify for gifted and talented. We are so proud of her and yet are struggling to put her abilities on paper in the application. I want to do my best for her but I guess I just need to put it in God's hands and let his words take her where she is supposed to go.

As for Cody, well is a man of many words as well. He said yesterday "I like the bird on your shirt, daddy. I need to make I write this down so I don't have to wander around for words with him in a few years.

I'm trying to give my kids the wings they deserve by using my words. I hope that I can now and forever let them fly!

Silence no more

I have been silent way too long. I have been living life without blogging but I have had so much to say. No more!

Today Cody had his first big boy haircut today. He wasn't so sure about sitting in the chair. I convinced him to stay and he could have a sucker, such a sweet tooth. He is such a good kid and so is Ani! She is very helpful and loving. She was so happy to get a sucker too.

Happy 7th

It has been a busy weekend but I wanted to take a brief moment and wish Ani a happy 7th birthday! I am amazed that she is already 7 yrs old. I am thankful that she calls me Mommy. I hope you have a great birthday sweetheart and many more happy years to come.

A van, 2 teeth, and mountain climbing

Our week was busy. We just purchased a new mini-van. It is shiny, red and really big. I was hesitant at first but having driven it for a few days, I can see that this was a good choice for us. Ani loves the buttons and automatic doors. Cody thinks the lights in the ceiling are too cool. It is going to be great on our trip to Florida in April.

Teeth: Cody has tooth #7 and working on his first molar. Ani has another molar and was complaining about Cody's whining. She said "don't know why he is crying, it doesn't even hurt." Coming from a real pro! She has a top tooth getting loose too. One in and one out, that is Brian's policy with me buying purses and now it is so with teeth in the house.

Cody is growing so fast these days! He is finally sleeping more which has given him more energy. He is using that energy for things like climbing stairs and now the activity table. I call it Mt. Cody because he is so proud sitting on top of it, as if he has conquered a mountain. Well, he climbs anything he can these days. This box was low enough I could snap a picture before getting him down. I know this will soon be followed by the couch and Brian is predicting the table. I just pray I can stay one step ahead and at least be there to catch him if he falls. Needless to say, we are all tired at night. I am hoping for spring. Don't want to wish my life away, but really tired of the winds and want the kids to be able to get outside.


I made special valentines on the internet this year. I proofed them 3 times and sent them off. Last week, Ani and I sat down to create our masterpieces. As she worked, she looked up and said "Mom, why do they say 2010?" I was so happy to be ahead of the ballgame and have them made and here in time to send them to you, on-time. Guess I haven't made the switch yet. Sorry everyone.

We ate supper at Chick-fil-A tonight. It was not the Valentine's some might appreciate but the kids loved it. We ate and laughed and played, and were not the only mom and kids there tonight. I love those kids and am truly happy to be a mini-van driving mom. Happy Valentine's Day to all of you. We love you!

PS. I will post pictures tomorrow so check back with us.

Birthday Man!

Cody is one today!

We made it through the first year even with very little sleep. Today is a day of reflection for me as I try to remember all of the little things that make my son such an awesome human! I cannot even imagine the great things he will accomplish and know and travel to see.

I am so excited to see all of the new things he does each day. For instance, he and Daddy love to "high-five" and he listens whenever Ani is reading a book to him. He is starting to climb the stairs and I am hoping out of the crib is not next. I am amazed that is already a one-man wrecking service.No dog kennel is too small or mountain too big. He is pulling up on everything and has turned everything in the house into some sort of drum or musical instrument. We have been going to Romp-n-roll baby gym class and having a blast. He will eat anything you put in front of him. I was cutting up a pear for him and he snatched it and started eating it.

Cody loves to imitate every sound and face I make. I am trying to get a photo of "the old man face." I think it is his thinking face but boy is it funny and he knows it. You can't help but smile when he smiles at you. He loves to help me with the laundry. I will go ahead and say "you're welcome" to my future daughter-in-law. Ha!Ha!

I am in awe at the sweet hugs and slobbery kisses I get each day. Thanks to God that I can be at home for them! I just can't believe that it has been a year. I can't remember as much as I was hoping but I know I was there ever day and as much as I can for Cody (and Ani too). I know that I am not the best about writing all of this down, and I intend to do better in 2011. I just hope that one day they will be able to read the stories and look at the pictures and know Mommy loves them so much.

Happy 1st Birthday Little Bear!

Happy 2011

Just a quick note to thank everyone for the wonderful blessing we received this Christmas season. Of course, we thank God first for the ultimate gift of his son. Now that I have children, in my own human way, I may have a tiny bit of understanding of the true sacrifice. We were blessed to see many friends and family, kept safe through all kinds of weather and returned home to VA safely. I will post pictures soon but wanted to get in a quick thank you to all!

November kids update

Cody is a busy man and has lots of exploring in mind. He cut four teeth on the top around Thanksgiving. He was fussy but we were glad to get it over with quickly. He chatters up a storm and says several words now. They include mama, dada, dog, hot, bye bye and hi. He is waving to everyone and very out going. He loves to take things apart and is slowing learning that they go back together, most of the time.

Ani is still busy in school, although the last week or so, they have had many late days to school. Her excitement mounts each day. She ALWAYS has her nose in a book these days. It has been difficult keeping her busy since we cannot play outside so much. It is very windy in VA and that makes cool fall/winter days down right cold.

Christmas with a baby

I have so many things I was to write and often organize my thoughts in my head. getting them onto the blog has been challenging. As I watch Cody pulling up beside me, I know what little time I have now is forever changing. He will be a year old soon and there is something magical about a baby's first Christmas. I remember just watching Ani sleep that night. Thinking about Mary watching Jesus sleep and trying to take in the awesomeness of it all. When I think about what a miracle each child is, my brain cannot comprehend.

For now, I am looking forward to Christmas surprises! I have a few up my sleeve and I am anxiously waiting to see what the kids have in store for us. I think we should all put away our hustle and bustle, shopping mania, and travel blues and see Christmas as it was on the first holy night. Full of wonder, amazement, HOPE, and most of all love. Merry Christmas and more to come.

The Daily Grind

Cody is getting bigger (9.5 months) and now eating 3 meals a day. It is expensive and silly to buy baby food when I can make it myself. Or so I thought. I bought a manual food mill and some green beans and away I went. This should be a quick 5 minutes, Ha! The beans were soft as instructed but I did not get very far grinding them. After 1 hour and only 4 baby food containers full, I am heading back to return it and buy an electric. Thank you God for electricity. I do not think I could keep up with little man under my own power.

Halloween 2010

My costumes were not very elaborate this year. Fine with me since Ani was challenging the last two. We still had lots of excitement. It was actually fun to go trick-or-treating to houses we do not know. Ani had a great time doing that but also enjoyed sitting on our porch and handing out candy too. She was a very cute ladybug.


Cody enjoyed carving pumpkins. At the patch, he chose the biggest one he could scoot to. He was orange from head to toe when it was all finished. He also loved watching all of the kids and riding around the neighborhood and mall in his stroller. He was a great turtle.

I will try to post an update for each kiddo this week too. Hope you are enjoying this lovely fall weather. I hear that snow is not too far away for us. :)

Halloweens Past

Halloween is so much fun. When I was pregnant with Ani, I made a promise to myself that I would strive to do 2 things for her every year...birthday cakes and halloween costumes. I have really enjoyed creating Ani's vision over the last 6 years. She has given me many chanllenges, but I think I have managed to give her a great costume and a wonderful time in make-believe.

I thought it may be fun to visit the costumes of the past before revealing 2010. Looking at these pictures all together make me realize just what a creative kid she is and how much she has grown. Here we go...