I'm a couple of days late with this, but I just have to say...I'm am over-the-top thankful for ...
these three very special people!
I pray that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family and love.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Trust
I planned a trip to Disney World for our family to have fun. I wanted to go away, get away from the routine and stress of every day life. Get lost in the magic and all that jazz.
The night before we left for our trip I put the kids to sleep, all of us excited about the adventure we were about to embark upon. A few hours later I was awakened by the sound of my little buddy coughing and crying. I hardly put a hand on him before discovering he was burning up with a fever. A million things flashed through my mind all at once. I knew instantly that he had the flu. What I didn't know was what we should do. Should we cancel our trip; stay home and play it safe. Or, should we take our chances and press on. I spent the rest of the night on the couch holding Cooper, trying to calm my own worrying stomach and talking to my mom. By daybreak we had decided to leave for Orlando. We had made our decision though I was not sure it was the right one.
On the way to the airport I started praying. I kept it small at first. Just let us get to the airport without any incidents I prayed. Once we got that far I figured I would worry about the rest. On the plane I prayed for a safe flight and when we landed 1/2 hour early in Florida I silently gave thanks. In my head I heard a small voice reminding me over and over to simply trust. And so we pressed on. And I began to feel like maybe we would be okay.
That night I put Cooper to bed and again awoke a few hours later. He was burning up, coughing, and I could tell his airway was swollen. His respiratory rate crept up and up. For an instant I had the feeling that I was in over my head. Here I was, thousands of miles from home with a sick baby on vacation. What was I thinking. What had I done. What should I do next? A hundred more questions. Do we go the nearest emergency room, is there an urgent care center, do I go alone, should all four of us go, can it wait a few more hours, how bad will this get? And then again, I felt it and heard it, I needed to trust. Trust that we had gotten this far, trust in what I'm trained to do, trust that it would be made clear what could wait and what could not. A few hours later Cooper turned the corner and slowly began to improve. It appeared that we were once again through the worst.
I will not lie and say that I was not in some ways still disappointed. What parent would plan a big trip to Disney World of all places and then have their kid get sick. I wanted Cooper to have fun and I wanted all of us to have fun.
Later in the day when we felt that Cooper was up to getting out of the room a little bit we went to the Magic Kingdom. I think you'll agree with me that it was more than coincidence that one of the first families we saw inside the gates was a father pushing his small daughter in a wheelchair. It hit me like a ton of bricks, not only how lucky I am but how selfish I had been also. Suddenly, instead of feeling bad that my son was sick on vacation I began to feel so blessed that his illness would soon pass. I felt blessed that my kids can enjoy a place like Disney World and all it has to offer. I felt blessed that the worry of where the nearest emergency room is and when the next dose of medication is due is not a routine worry that I have. I felt blessed that my perspective on the entire week was changed.
Lots of people have asked me how my vacation was and I tell them it was one of the best weeks of my life. Some of them who know that Cooper was sick kind of look at me funny, wondering how a sick kid on vacation could be so great. TRUST me, it was.
The night before we left for our trip I put the kids to sleep, all of us excited about the adventure we were about to embark upon. A few hours later I was awakened by the sound of my little buddy coughing and crying. I hardly put a hand on him before discovering he was burning up with a fever. A million things flashed through my mind all at once. I knew instantly that he had the flu. What I didn't know was what we should do. Should we cancel our trip; stay home and play it safe. Or, should we take our chances and press on. I spent the rest of the night on the couch holding Cooper, trying to calm my own worrying stomach and talking to my mom. By daybreak we had decided to leave for Orlando. We had made our decision though I was not sure it was the right one.
On the way to the airport I started praying. I kept it small at first. Just let us get to the airport without any incidents I prayed. Once we got that far I figured I would worry about the rest. On the plane I prayed for a safe flight and when we landed 1/2 hour early in Florida I silently gave thanks. In my head I heard a small voice reminding me over and over to simply trust. And so we pressed on. And I began to feel like maybe we would be okay.
That night I put Cooper to bed and again awoke a few hours later. He was burning up, coughing, and I could tell his airway was swollen. His respiratory rate crept up and up. For an instant I had the feeling that I was in over my head. Here I was, thousands of miles from home with a sick baby on vacation. What was I thinking. What had I done. What should I do next? A hundred more questions. Do we go the nearest emergency room, is there an urgent care center, do I go alone, should all four of us go, can it wait a few more hours, how bad will this get? And then again, I felt it and heard it, I needed to trust. Trust that we had gotten this far, trust in what I'm trained to do, trust that it would be made clear what could wait and what could not. A few hours later Cooper turned the corner and slowly began to improve. It appeared that we were once again through the worst.
I will not lie and say that I was not in some ways still disappointed. What parent would plan a big trip to Disney World of all places and then have their kid get sick. I wanted Cooper to have fun and I wanted all of us to have fun.
Later in the day when we felt that Cooper was up to getting out of the room a little bit we went to the Magic Kingdom. I think you'll agree with me that it was more than coincidence that one of the first families we saw inside the gates was a father pushing his small daughter in a wheelchair. It hit me like a ton of bricks, not only how lucky I am but how selfish I had been also. Suddenly, instead of feeling bad that my son was sick on vacation I began to feel so blessed that his illness would soon pass. I felt blessed that my kids can enjoy a place like Disney World and all it has to offer. I felt blessed that the worry of where the nearest emergency room is and when the next dose of medication is due is not a routine worry that I have. I felt blessed that my perspective on the entire week was changed.
Lots of people have asked me how my vacation was and I tell them it was one of the best weeks of my life. Some of them who know that Cooper was sick kind of look at me funny, wondering how a sick kid on vacation could be so great. TRUST me, it was.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Home Again, Home Again
Tonight we are home sweet home again, but not necessarily thrilled about it. Our Disney vacation was more than we even could have hoped for and saying goodbye this morning was so sad. If you're on facebook you might have seen that the trip started out a little rough. That's a story for another day to go with all the other crazy stories I have to tell you.
I don't have pictures ready yet but they will be coming in another day or two, I promise. I have lots of video to share also. I'm just hoping that downloading all of our fun will not crash our computer.
It's strange to be unpacking summer clothes tonight while the neighbors put up Christmas lights and all other talk is of turkey later this week. But, for us, it's easy to be thankful tonight. We were so blessed to have had this past week together as a family. Blessed to have shared time together laughing, playing and enjoying all things family.
I don't have pictures ready yet but they will be coming in another day or two, I promise. I have lots of video to share also. I'm just hoping that downloading all of our fun will not crash our computer.
It's strange to be unpacking summer clothes tonight while the neighbors put up Christmas lights and all other talk is of turkey later this week. But, for us, it's easy to be thankful tonight. We were so blessed to have had this past week together as a family. Blessed to have shared time together laughing, playing and enjoying all things family.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The bags are packed,
The laundry is done.
Tomorrow we leave
For fun in the sun.
We wish we could take
Each and every one of you
To the magical place
Where dreams really do
Come true!
McKenna - April 2007
We're off to Disney in the morning. And, because it's a "vacation" I'll also be taking a vacation from blogging. So, we'll see you back here next Sunday with some great stories and great pictures. Until then, have a "magical" week!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Family Resemblance
Lately a number of people have made the comment that Cooper looks a lot like his dad. It's hard for me to see the resemblance. But, if I had to base the similarity on personality characteristics alone, I would say that hands down, Cooper is like his dad.
Case in point...Wednesday after school we invited the neighbor girls over to play. I fed them dinner during which time Cooper decided to entertain the group. I must warn you that this is a bit disgusting and I honestly can't believe I'm posting it here. However, I must also admit that I found it to be mildly entertaining.
Case in point...Wednesday after school we invited the neighbor girls over to play. I fed them dinner during which time Cooper decided to entertain the group. I must warn you that this is a bit disgusting and I honestly can't believe I'm posting it here. However, I must also admit that I found it to be mildly entertaining.
Now, my husband does not routinely play with his food. Although, given the opportunity he might. He has been known to blow straw papers across the table at a restruant and blow bubbles in his coffee at Dunking Donuts. You know, anything to get a laugh. And if you listen closely to the video, the more the girls say, "Ewwww Cooper, that's gross" the more he giggles. Yes, like father, like son.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Party in the USA
Thursday night we were partying in the USA....well, more like the BJC (Bryce Jordan Center). McKenna's first "rock" concert went off without a hitch. Almost. Let's just say that she didn't really care for the opening act. They were a little too "rock" for even my taste.
But, bring on Miley Cyrus and you bring out one smiley little girl.
She was all decked out in her homemade t-shirt, which by the way was way cheaper and way cuter than any they were selling at the concert.
And she was sporting her little sign just for Miley. Thanks to Mimi for making that happen!
The poor little thing stood up the entire time and sang her heart out.
You can be sure that a good time was had by all!
Happy Birthday Kenna!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
You Make Me Smile
I recently updated my playlist to add Uncle Krackers, 'You Make Me Smile' to the mix that plays on my blog. I had heard it on the radio and liked it. It reminded me of my kids. How they always make me smile.
Lots of nights while we're getting ready for bed we'll listen the songs on the blog. 'You Make Me Smile' has become Cooper's favorite. He immediately heads for the computer speakers when he comes in the room and asks me to "turn it up, Mom". The three of us dance around the room being silly and having a great time. I love that I can still pick Cooper up and dance with him. I love to spin him around and listen to his delicious giggle. I am sad for the time that I could hold McKenna in my arms and do the same. It is in those moments that I truly feel that even though she is bigger in size, in my heart she is still my little girl.
How I hope that I never forget these little moments. And how I hope that somehow they will remember them.
(Some of my favorite moments from the past...)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Trick or Treat
As promised....Supergirl and Handy Manny
Supergirl
Handy Manny
Tighe, McKenna and Cooper at Mimi and Pappy's house
Trick or Treating in our new neighborhood most definitely surpassed our expectations. Once we escaped our house (we couldn't get out the door because so many kids kept coming up the walk) we had a blast.
McKenna was excited to Trick or Treat with her friends for the very first time. And Cooper, well he absolutely loved every minute of the evening. He ran as fast as his little legs would carry him from one house to another, trying to keep up with McKenna and her friends. Once at the door her would announce "trick or treat" and patiently wait for his candy. He took everything in from the decorations to the music playing at some houses. He even stopped to do the Monster Mash at one point. Too funny! I was completely amazed that he walked/ran through the entire neighborhood.After Trick or Treat we returned to our neighbor's house for pumpkin pie and hot chocolate. The perfect ending to a great night. Actually, this was the most perfect ending...
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