Little Laughs

This is Kallahan laughing at his car seat toy when I picked him up from Granny’s yesterday.  It is too cute not to share.  *Excuse the poor quality of the video – I took it with my phone.

Missing My Cowboy

My parents came to visit this weekend and brought my niece and nephew.  We had a great time!  The kids played well together and pretty much wore us adults out. 

I was so shocked that Keeler asked on Sunday morning if he could go back to Texas with them because he is always such a momma’s boy.   He was so excited about the idea.  I felt bad sending him with my parents as I knew they must be exhausted from the trip and having two extra kiddos.  But my mom told me to not discourage him from wanting to go, she was so impressed that he wanted to go.  We packed him a little bag and soon he headed out the door with them.  I had to hold back tears as I waved goodbye.  I just knew when I heard the doorbell ring about ten minutes after they left that he had changed his mind, but no, they just needed one more sippy cup.  My little cowboy is growing up. This is his first vacation that was totally his own idea. 



Silly Samuel & Keeler



I talked to my parents and Tyler’s parents all day yesterday to check in on him.  He was having a blast.  He went to his cousin Jakob’s basketball game and then he ended the day with Tyler’s parents.  Mimi reported that he had played at the park with his cousin Bryon and was getting ready to read books and head to bed.  This morning my dad emailed me and said when he got to their house this morning that he was requesting “blue ice-cream” for breakfast and informed them that he eats this every morning.  Such a little storyteller!

Yesterday was such a nice day.  Tyler was over at Granny’s helping her with house projects so I was home alone with Kallahan.  We cleaned up the house and then watched two movies that I have had on the DVR for over a year.  Yes, over a year!  This is because our TV time is always monopolized by Keeler.  Kallahan was so good all day but his little nose was running.  He has started waking up at night again so we tried giving him some rice cereal but that was a no go.  He didn’t know what to think and just spit it out.  I guess we will have to try again when he is feeling better.  I can't beleive that it is already time to start feeding him "food."  He was up almost all night.  We finally resorted to putting him in our bed with him on my chest because he was having problems breathing with his cold.  Poor little cowboy, we hope he gets to feeling better soon.    

I took off Thursday & Friday of this week to head to Texas to celebrate my mom’s birthday and of course pick up my little cowboy that I am already missing terribly.  I just don’t know what I did with all my time before him.    

I shared this quote with Tyler this morning at 4am as we were trying to soothe baby Kallahan. "Having a child is like getting a tattoo on your face... You better be fully committed." - Eat Pray Love

A note from Grammy

 No one really teaches us how to become parents. 

 We learn from our parents and grandparents.

We read books, we google and we pray that we do the right 

things to make us qualify as good parents.

Courtney, when you were very young, 

you loved taking care of your dolls.

As you grew older, 

you loved taking care of other people's children.

They were always attracted to you and your smile!

After you became a nurse,

you loved taking care of your "little old people".

You REALLY loved it!!

When little man was born, 

you were sure to love taking care of him.

I knew you would be an incredible Mom!

I just didn't know HOW incredible!!

You stepped into the unknown world of EB 

and gave your ENTIRE self....

EVERY DAY and EVERY NIGHT!

For two years and eight months you gave!!

The minute Tripp was born, you showed him nothing but

 love, patience, joy, happiness and

PEACE.

I know you prayed for peace for him,

but you gave him peace just by your presence.

From the first breath he took until his last breath in your arms, 

you surrounded him with an amazing peace.

He loved your voice and how you smelled.

He loved for you to sing to him and "rock rock" him 

and whisper "I love You" in his ear. 

You and he had a perfect love. 

I watched you bring him peace every day!!

He was happy because all he ever knew was happiness from YOU!

He smiled because of you!

He chuckled because of you!

He danced and shook his booty because of you!

He played his drums in perfect rythm because of you!

He loved Elmo because of you!

He even fussed us because of you!

He lived for two years and eight months 

because of you!

You are an AMAZING mom groomed and handpicked by God

to nurture one of his angels.

You did the most incredible job TAKING CARE OF Tripp.

God Himself prepared you well!!

It was such an honor to help you care for him.

Thank you for trusting me with your Angel!

I wouldn't trade a single second of the time I spent with him!

I too wish I could do it 100 more years, minus the pain.

What a brave little soul he is. 

He captured hearts all over the world. 

He was, is and always will be my HEART! 

Grammy's Angel!

I love you and I am so very proud of you Courtney!

I love you Bubba.

You are the strongest little man I will ever know.

You gave each of us a new lesson about

 love, patience, kindness, selflessness and generosity 

without speaking a word!

WHO DOES THAT? 

You and your mom are heroes to me and many others.

I will miss you every single minute of every single day.

Take good care of your Mom now!

Thank You...
First to God for trusting me to help care for His Angel.
What an amazing gift he was.

Then to everyone who had a part in helping Tripp 

with his mission on this earth. 

His mission isn't over yet,

 as he is still bringing people closer to God!!

He has made me and anyone who "knew" him

a much better person.

One last thing...

Courtney assures her Dad and me that she will

be taking care of us in our old age.

I feel extremely comforted by this.

All my love to each of you reading this.

Your love and prayers helped 

Courtney through many dark days.

Please continue to pray for her peace. 

Love,

Anita

Courtney's Mom

Tripp's Grammy

Happy 4 Months!

Height:  24" (20%)
Weight:  14lbs 10oz (35%)
Keeler @ 4mos Height: 25" (50%) & Weight: 13lbs 12oz (25%)

Dear Kallahan – You are four months old!

I want you to know that you are an absolute blessing in our lives.  You are such a happy and easy going little cowboy.  You make my heart simply melt every time you smile at me.  This month you started rolling over, which means we have to watch where we lay you down.  You are starting to reach for objects and have attempted to hold your own bottle, such a little helper.  I asked Daddy what he wanted to let you know and he says you started the month off sleeping well and ended it pretty bad cowboy.  The past couple of nights you have been hard to put down but I still think you’re doing pretty good.  Daddy also said, “we all thought you were a BIG boy and it turns out you’re not as big as we thought.”  You are quite the little babbler and love to watch your big brother.  Today you had your 4 month immunizations and did very good.  I took the afternoon off to be with you and you have slept most the day.  I LOVE watching you sleep my sweet angel baby.

Love Always,

Mommy

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.~ Psalm 127:3

A few of you have mentioned that you would like me to post more pictures of the house.  So…. I have posted a house tour on my new Google+ account.  We didn’t post everything because Tyler said I need to leave some stuff out so everyone still wants to come visit.  Hope you enjoy!

Missing my baby...

Yesterday made one week since my little man went to heaven.  And yesterday was the hardest day so far.  A whole week?  What have I been doing for a whole week?  How in the world have I made it a whole week without kissing those sweet lips or holding those sweet fingers?  I miss him more than I know how to say.  I miss his face, I miss his smell, I miss everything about him and our life together.  I've been trying to do normal things... I've gone to Target, I've gone to get ice cream, and I've gone to dinner with my family for my grandma's birthday.  But it's hard to just "go on" and try to be normal.  I feel guilty for everything I do.  Nothing feels real or right.  I would literally give anything in the world to have my baby back... I don't want a "normal" life.  I want my life with Tripp back.  I would take care of him every day, all day, for 100 years if could.  My body is numb... my emotions are numb... and each day has been like a blur.   And now that I don't have him here, I realize HOW MUCH my life actually revolved around him.  I know that I didn't take a single minute for granted... but what I wouldn't give to have just one more day with my baby.  There's just something about knowing that you can't have something, that makes you physically yearn for it.  
I miss him so much. 
 I could have NEVER prepared for this... no matter how long I was given. 


Nothing of Tripp's has been moved yet... not even an inch. His toys are the same, his bed is the same, the rocking chair is the same and his medicines are in the same spot.  Nothing has been touched.  I don't know how long it will take me... and maybe that is why I haven't been able to grieve properly (not that there is a "right" way to grieve), but maybe it's why I feel like it hasn't hit me yet... like it's not real.  Like this is some kind of terrible nightmare.
All I can think about and see in my head is his precious, beautiful face the last time he was in my arms. 

Tripp's service was beautiful.  There was an outpouring of love and support from SO many people.  Most of the people that I hugged began their conversation with "You don't know me, but..."  That is a true testament of the lives that Tripp has touched.  For so many people that we don't even know... people who have never even met Tripp, to come out and show their support is so incredible.  Thank you to those who were able to come out and support us, and thank you also to those who could not make it and showed your support from home by your prayers, lighting candles, and offering moments of silence.  I could truly feel the love on Wednesday.  There were people who stood on the side of the road, holding signs with words of love and support for us to see on the way to the cemetery.  And businesses all over town hung red balloons in honor of Tripp.  It was truly amazing to see.  



I have gotten some requests from people to post my speech from the service, so here it is...


I would honestly like to tell you all that I’ve never had to think about what I was going to say at my son’s funeral, but the TRUTH is that this exact moment has played over and over in my head for the past few months.  What a nightmare... having to say goodbye to your only son.  I don’t know which is worse- losing a child unexpectedly, or having years to plan your goodbye, knowing that it is coming whether you are ready or not.  I’ve pictured this very moment in my head... me standing here, and all of you guys gathered here for my son.  But even though I’ve pictured it again and again, deep down I had hoped with my whole heart that it would never really happen. But here I am.
You might think that I feel just a little bit of relief, after watching my baby suffer- day in and day out- but I don’t.  I’m not relieved at all.  I want him in my arms.  I want to hold his sweet little fingers.  I want to sing to him.  I want him to smile that amazing, “melt your heart” smile.  I want to spend every minute of my day taking care of him- because that’s all I know.  I don’t know how to do anything else.  I don’t want to do anything else.  
I know I will heal with time, though this hole in my heart will never, ever be filled.  Every single moment for the rest of my life, will be bittersweet, because I won’t have my baby to share it with.  It still doesn’t seem real.  I have spent the past 2 years and 8 months living like a Tiger mom, never letting the doctors or nurses really even touch Tripp, and making all the decisions myself.  And this Saturday, for the first time, I had to hand over my baby, knowing that I would never see his little face again.  Having to TRUST that someone else was going to take care of him the way that I have taken care of him.  But I suppose if you have to entrust your child’s life to someone else, who better than God himself, right?  
Over the past few weeks, we have all prayed for peace.  I have prayed that God’s will be done, whatever it may be.  And I can tell you that our prayers were answered.  Tripp’s passing couldn’t have been more peaceful.  He was in his favorite spot, in the rocking chair, in my arms, with my mother at his head.  God took care of him.  And he took care of us.  And as far as God’s will, I think we can all look around and see what that was.  Tripp has brought all of these people together in one spot, in prayer.  No matter what faith you are, and no matter what you believe... right now we are gathered as a family, as Tripp’s family, and as God’s family.  And we are putting aside our differences, trusting and believing that Tripp is sitting on Jesus‘ lap at this very moment, happy and healthy, looking Jesus in the face, and saying, “Look, Jesus, at what I’ve done?  Aren’t you so proud of me?”  I bet Jesus is proud.  I know that as Tripp’s Mommy, I could never, ever feel more proud.   
I know that my life will never be the same because of Tripp.  He is the most precious gift I’ve ever received.  I hope that he will continue to change the lives of so many people even though he is now in a far better place.  I hope now he will be watching over and taking care of me, because I now need all of the comfort and care I get. 
Thank you all for coming today.  And thank you for the support that you have shown Tripp, myself, and our family.  I know Tripp is smiling down on everyone here today, knowing his job here on Earth was done.  And done well.  
May God bless you all. 
Thank you.



It would be impossible for me to personally thank everyone who was a part of the services on Wednesday, so I want to extend a very special THANK YOU to everyone who pitched in to help us.  Everyone who brought food (which was wonderful), the beautiful flowers everyone sent, the people who volunteered their time to set-up or help clean up, and everyone else who did ANYTHING to make Wednesday (and this whole week) just a little bit easier for our family.  Once again, I have THE MOST AMAZING support system, ever.


A huge thank you to all of the people who came from out of town, especially Patrice (Jonah's mom), Tim (Bella's dad), Sam, Chloe, and Marybeth Sheridan (Sam was one of the first of the EB kids to go through the Bone Marrow transplant), and also I got to meet the amazing family who are adopting Anton.  I was so surprised and happy to see them there. It was SO awesome to get to finally meet so many people who you feel are already like family.  I've talked to Patrice so much over the phone and through text that when I finally met her, I really felt like I knew her my entire life.  She is everything I expected her to be and more.  An amazing and inspiring woman.  I was so glad she got to come to the house afterwards and spend some time with us.  I can't wait to spend some time with her under different circumstances... not such sad ones.  


Meeting Sam Sheridan was an experience that I will never forget.  I wanted her to know HOW MUCH her being there meant to me.  Sam is 16 years old and has Dystrophic EB.  She is so beautiful.  And she is so brave.  Sam, her mom Marybeth, and her sister Chloe drove down from Tennessee to come to Tripp's service.  I know it must have been hard on Sam.  What an AMAZING young woman she is.  Thank you, Sam, for letting me hug you... and thank you for being so brave.  I promise you that I will fight for you, for Tripp, and for every other person with EB for the rest of my life.  None of your suffering or Tripp's suffering will be in vain.  

When the day of the service was over, and everyone had left our house...  our family was gathered around the table, just talking about the day when my sister found this video on her Facebook page.  Now, I don't know if you guys know how many times I have searched "Elmo songs" on YouTube, but I can assure you it was hundreds of times- and I had never before found this one.  It's called "Little Butterfly Friend."  Think it sounds perfect for Tripp?  Just watch it... it's the sweetest, most perfect song ever... 1. because Elmo sings it.. and 2. because it's about one little butterfly who Elmo calls his "friend" and holds in his hand.  Think this song came at the right time?  The day of his funeral... Think it was my sign that I had never heard it until THAT very day?  I'll take it.  It's given me comfort through this past week.
Thank you, Elmo.  
I know it wasn't written for Tripp, but it couldn't be more perfect.   

I miss you my little man... so much that it hurts. 

 I'd give anything to have one more day with you. 

Just to kiss your sweet face and tell you I love you. 

Mommy is so proud of you.  

Your wings must be SO big.... 

Love,

"When I Grow Up..."

Piper is rather enamoured with the new baby.

She is such a little Mama - helping with whatever I ask of her (and some things that I don't...), showering Renly with kisses and asking on a rather continual basis to hold her.

A couple days ago, Piper asked me, "Mama, can I be a Mama when I grow up?"

"Yes, you most likely can." I replied.

"Well, I want to be a doctor or a Mama!", she said.

"Those are both good things to be." I answered.

She sat there thoughtfully for a moment and shook her head.

"No, I want to be a MAMA!"

:)

5 Minute Friday: Vivid

Vivid

Go...

As the momentum builds, the world turns black

Voices and movement swirl around

But there is no consciousness of what is happening outside of my body

All faculties are irreversibly drawn to the deep, dark pain

Concentration wholeheartedly directed to the task at hand

In between times I verbally remind myself, "I can do this!"

And then breathe, just breathe

Soon it all escalates to a roar

The world is dead to me

The hurt, all that matters

And out of this raging, searing pain

She comes

Plopped onto my chest

The most vivid, coherent image I've seen in hours

Bringing with her relief and peace and pure brilliant joy

Stop.

She Is HERE!

Renly Soleil arrived Monday, January 16th at 12:45pm weighing in at 7lb 13oz!

We are both doing so well and are happily settling into life together (on the outside!).

I'll fill you in on all the details once I've caught up on some sleep

But thought you'd like to know about our newest ray of sunshine!

King Keeler

I was scrolling through some of my most recent posts and noticed that they have seemed to center more around our new cowboy lately.  However, that is not the case in our life.  Keeler is not missing out on any attention and is still pretty much ruling our world as King Keeler.  He is such an animated and lively little three year old.  He brightens our day from the moment he awakens us, which is always too early.  I wanted to document a few of his funny quirks so that I can look back and smile  someday.

1)      He wakes us in the morning (always before 6:30a) with a simple request, “milk that I can taste the sugar in it and a poptart, please.”

2)      When he makes a mess or does something wrong he very guiltily says, “sorry about that!” – with an evil little grin.

3)      He loves to play “bucking shoot” with daddy.  This is taking the cushions off the couch and building a mock cattle shoot.  Then he gets taken through the shoot, branded, ear tagged and vaccinated.  He could play this for hours!

4)      He is a great big brother!  He asks to hold Kallahan periodically.  He'll hold him for about two seconds and then it quickly loses its appeal.  He  does get very excited when Kallahan smiles at him. 

5)      He loves having a fireplace and asks for build “a campfire” pretty often.

6)      He loves going to school and church.  I am so happy that he is an independent little cowboy that loves to be around people!

My nephew Samuel turned 4 on Saturday!  I struggled with this because like I told my mom, 4 seems like “a kid” not “a toddler” anymore.  Samuel is my sister’s youngest and it just reminds me how quickly they are all growing up.  Let’s slow it down kiddos.  Happy Birthday sweet Samuel.  We hope to see you soon! 

You’ve grown so big that you’re FOUR.  You’re not so little anymore!” – unknown

Tripp's services

Tripp's services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ponchatoula on Wednesday, January 18th.  

Visitation will be from 10am - 1pm, with a mass of Christian Burial starting at 1pm. 

Interment follow in the Ponchatoula Cemetery. 

His services are open to all who loved Tripp and want to join us in prayer. 

Love,

Heaven's little drummer boy.

My precious angel received his wings today. 

I have had many nightmares about having to write this post. 

He was exactly 2 years and 8 months old.  

It happened within minutes of me picking him up out of bed and rocking him.  

He took his last peaceful breaths in my arms, in his most favorite spot. 

My heart literally hurts more than I ever thought was possible. 

I'm completely lost without him and don't know where to go or what to do when my feet hit the floor.   

I miss him so much it physically hurts. 

Please don't forget to thank God for the PEACE we prayed to him for. 

And please bear with me as I try to pull myself together. 

I will let everyone know as soon as I decide on the details of his services. 

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the support through this unbearable time.

I know he's flying high, pain free, and talking Jesus' ear off... 

But that doesn't take away this selfish feeling of wanting him back in my arms. 

I love you, Bubby.  

Mommy misses you more than I promised I would...

I hope Jesus loves your drumming as much as we all did. 

Love, 

Kallahan Rolling Over

The strongest boy I'll ever know.

Things are not going well.  

Actually, things are getting bad pretty fast.  

I've known for about a month now that this time wasn't one of the times that my little man was just going to "bounce back."  He's too sick... sicker than he's ever been.  For about 2 months now, he has been laying in the same position, and not doing much of anything.  He has had major anxiety issues (which I think we FINALLY have under control, thank you God).  And in the past 3 days, he has spiraled downhill even more so.   

He has started to swell... (hands, feet, head, scrotum, lips, eyes... you name it).  He has WELL over 4+ pitting edema in his hands, feet and head.  His poor little swollen hand can't even hold his Elmo anymore (I'd rather you cut off my legs than my baby not be able to hold his best friend, Elmo).   The swelling is not a good sign.  It's called "third spacing."  This means that water is leaking from his blood vessels and collecting in the tissue areas between his cells.  This is usually caused by an electrolyte imbalance or the inability of the organs to function properly (which we think he could have both, or it could be from something else, we have no idea).  Dr. Defusco came to the house yesterday.  She spent about 6 hours with us.  She was there through his entire bath and then stayed after to discuss things and just talk.  She's so amazing- I can't say enough great things about her.  Seriously, I wish every doctor cared about their patients like she does Tripp.  It's very admirable. 

Dr. D doesn't think Tripp has much longer to be with us.  And seeing after seeing what he looked like yesterday and today, I have to agree with her.  His poor, sweet body is so tired.  The swelling is new- he's never been swollen like this before, ever.   He can barely even muster a smile to tell us "yes" or "no."  It's so sad.  I'm so sad.  I knew keeping him at home would be hard, and it is.  But I also know that it's a decision that I will never regret.  

He's throwing up with anything I put in his stomach- so she also wants me to slow down on his feeds.  She thinks that at this point his little body doesn't even feel hungry.  But as a Mommy, I can't make myself just stop feeding him... unless I'm doing more harm than good (which it's coming down to now).  That will be a decision that I will take literally minute by minute.  We ask him if he's hungry or thirsty very often... and he is still somewhat able to tell us yes or no with a little smile or a head shake.  

He is SUCH a fighter... sometimes I wish he didn't think he had to fight so hard.  

He's so incredibly strong. 

He is also having trouble regulating his body temperature (which is a sign of the electrolyte imbalance, perhaps an overwhelming infection, and/or his immune system just shutting down).  His little extremities are so cold.  And his temperature has gotten as low as 93.7 degrees.  That's a huge and fast change from the fevers he has been running in the past few months.   

Within the past three days, I think we have finally found a pain/anxiety medicine regimen that is working for him.  I can finally say that I think he is as "comfortable" as he's going to get.  He is sedated enough not to constantly cry due to anxiety but is still able to hear us and know what is going on.  Yesterday after his bath was the most comfortable he's looked in months.  Even during bath was better considering how bad he looks and is feeling.  I'm so grateful.  He's been sleeping well at night and I'm not having to suction him as much because his breathing is shallow, but very easy and comfortable right now. That is specifically what I've been praying to God for every night- peace in whatever form He can give it.  Now I'm not saying that it won't get worse, because I'm almost positive that it will.  I don't know how long he can hold on like this.  I just pray that we can keep him this comfortable until it is time for him to go to Heaven- whether that be days or weeks.   And I pray for him to be able to pass as peacefully as possible- at home- in his comfort zone- with the people who love him- where he belongs. 

Thank you all so much for your continued support and prayers.  Please keep the prayers coming, as we need them now more than ever.  If you like to pray for something specific, please pray for PEACE... for Tripp to have peace from everything causing him discomfort. 

I am so thankful for my faith at this time.  

I often think about moms who have lost children (or anyone who has lost anyone for that matter) who don't believe in God or in Heaven.  Do they wonder where their children are?  That must be the worst, most awful feeling.  I'm so grateful that I am certain Tripp's soul will be in Heaven and that one day I will see him again. 

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

-Revelation 21:4

What a promise, right?  No pain, no mourning... just me and my baby boy- EB free.  I can't wait until that day.  I have been reassuring him that it's okay for him to go home to Heaven.  

I tell him that Mommy loves him so much and that I am so, SO proud of him.  

I tell him that in Heaven, he will never hurt again and he will be able to run, talk, and play like a normal little boy. 

I tell him that there will never be a day that goes by that I won't miss him with every fiber of my being.  

I tell him how many people (like you guys) love him and that he has done such great things just by being alive.  

I tell him that I promise him that I will be the very best person I can be so that I can meet him in Heaven when it is time and give him the biggest, tightest hug he has ever had. 

I tell him that he has made me a better person for the rest of my life. 

I tell him that he is the strongest boy I'll ever know. 

Love,

Freezer Fanatic!

With this being pregnancy number 3, you'd think I'd know the ropes by now.

For the most part, I do.

But I sometimes fail to listen to my own advice.

Like:

Be prepared!

At 38 weeks, the nursery is not complete, my hospital bag is half packed, we just started making freezer meals this past weekend and all the cleaning I needed to get done was only accomplished thanks to my lovely mother-in-law stopping in yesterday and finishing it up for me!

But I've always been a procrastinator so its really not that crazy!

And I have a ton of help.

Let's just say my family is amazing!

(Wait til you see the nursery my parents are helping me create!)

So it is all coming together and I've been able to relax and enjoy time with my sweet girls the past few days!

I am so excited though at the brainwave of having a months worth of freezer meals ready to go!

The thought of not having to cook for a whole month after baby arrives is just heavenly!

Matt's parents bought us a freezer for Christmas and I purchased the book Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer!

We made a list of all the meals we wanted to make.

I made a grocery list.

Matt went shopping.

Then we got down to buisness!

Is it just me or does he look WAY too happy about this project!

I must admit, he is an amazing cooking partner!

Mushrooms galore!

Just waiting to be washed and chopped!

I got lots of strange looks from people in the store as I pushed around a cart with just 10 boxes of mushrooms and 18 pounds of ground beef! :)

Chicken waiting to go!

*Please note, my fridge never looks this clean except when I'm in the extreme stages of nesting!!*

And we're off!

Do I look way too huge to be doing this?

Well, I was!

Word of advice:

 Undertake such projects when there is a much smaller baby between you and the counter!!

And 3 hours later, we had 17 meals all ready to go!

Not bad, eh?!

Since then we've also managed to add 5 more to the pile as well as bread and rolls and such as they go on sale!

This Mama is super pleased!!

Yes, that is my belly creeping into the picture of our filling freezer!

Here's a list of what we've made in case you'd like some inspiration!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Chicken a la King

Hawaiian Chicken

Cranberry Chicken

Cheese Quiche

Tex Mex Shepherd's Pie

Spaghetti Sauce

Pizza Dough w/ prepared hamburger topping

I'm sure a google search would render you a million other ideas but I have really found the book practical and helpful!

And really, whether you have a new baby coming or not, I think this is a fantastic and stress free way to prepare for a month of meals!

Life is Sweet

I’ve been busy editing pictures from the past three months  – I was getting way behind and overwhelmed.  But, I had to share these pictures.  When I came across this picture of my mom feeding Kallahan a candy cane I knew she had done the same with Keeler.  I went back through my pictures and found it!  I was amazed to see how much my little cowboys look alike.  I go back and forth from time to time about their similarities but here it is pretty obvious.  How did I get so lucky to have such precious & happy little cowboys?! 

We had a great weekend.  Tyler’s parents, Tiffany and Bryon came down to work on Granny’s home improvement projects.  It was so nice to get to see them and have Tiff and Bryon stay at our house.  Keeler and Byron play so well together. 

“Life is uncertain.  Eat dessert first!” – Ernestine Ulmer

Yagoot for You!

After I tried on a unitard {see yesterday’s post}, I took my sweet precious on a date to Yagoot.

They serve real frozen yogurt with all kinds of fun toppings.  Becks chose strawberry yogurt with raspberry and banana accents.  It was totally yum.

I opted for the random combination of Italian Cocoa, toasted almonds, bananas, and…mangos.  I know, mangos?!  That’s what I was thinking, too, when I received my final order.  I think the Mangos just looked so tasty and fresh, that I didn’t consider its awkwardness when combined with the other flavors.  Whatever.  Still yum!

Geez Louise, just looking at that picture makes me want to go back! 

Anyway, the lighting in the shop was totally amazing, so I took lots and lots of pictures.  We were the only customers at the time, so I didn’t feel too crazy squatting on the floor for the best views or snapping random pictures of their chairs.  However, I did feel the need to compliment them on the lighting.  Which I did when I caught them staring at me. 

Lots of you have asked about my camera and my editing software lately, so here’s the deets…

It’s a Canon T1i that I got for Christmas last year.  And here’s a nerdy pic of me feigning surprise:

I recently got a new lens for it { 50mm f1.4} that I looooooove {thanks to my fab in-laws!}.  It creates that fun bokeh look that I’m obsessed with lately (blurry backgrounds).    I also shoot mostly in manual with a BBF {courtesy of my super talented friend, Cara!!!!!}, rarely using my flash.

I edit with whatever Microsoft program that came on my computer, usually enhancing the color and messing with the contrast, brightness, and clarity.  I’d love some fancy Photoshop program, but I think they’re pretty costly and I don’t know that I’d know how to work it even if I did own it!  {If you know of an expensive, easy-to-use editing software, do share!!!}

I’m faaaaaaaaaaaar from having perfect pics, but it sure is a fun hobby to have :)

Happy Sunday, friends!!!!!

Belated Blogging

I suppose its time I returned to the blog world...at least to fill you in our Christmas and all we've been up to!

Most nights, lying on the couch, taking a bath or sleeping win out over blogging.

But at 38 weeks, can you blame me?!

So, Christmas.

It was wonderful, as always.

But I did feel a little overwhelmed by what needed to be done and more so by what I had to set aside as impossible for me this year.

In the end, everything worked out beautifully.

I even think the kids weren't terribly scarred by not getting to make gingerbread men this year.:)

Baby belly the week before Christmas. {35 weeks}

Even without my usual energy, we did get to delve into lots of fun holiday activities...

Christmas play doh - an all time favorite!

Church Christmas concerts and frilly dresses.

Gingerbread princess castles!!

And despite not be being able to make most of our gifts this year I did get around to a couple things that made me smile...

Old MacDonald puppets

And a color match game for Taitum!

Then there were a number of heart warming moments...

Thankful sister hugs,

writing on packages that brought me to tears (again, I am very pregnant. Don't judge! lol)

And family fun! (Three cheers for Daddy being home for 2 whole weeks!)

Then we rang in the New Year 6 hours early and called it a year!

So our Christmas wasn't typical.

Much of our holiday was plagued with sick kiddos and restless nights.

And I am going crazy with the whole nesting thing.

But we were together and oh so blessed in a million ways!

So although its a little belated...

Merry Christmas

and

Happy New Year!!