Charlie is 3!

Wow, it seems like yesterday that Clara, Amelia, CJ and I made a cake to celebrate Charlie's 2nd birthday (he was still in China, but we celebrated here for him). And, now he is here and had his first American birthday! He didn't get what a birthday was at first, but after all the whoopla from us, he caught on. Now when you ask him how old he is he proudly says "Three" and tries to hold up 3 fingers. We had a Thomas the Train cake (he LOVES Thomas) and presents for him...just our family. When he gets overwhelmed, he sort of clams up (won't talk) so we thought just something with us would be better than a party this year. He got lots of fun gifts, includng a new train for his GeoTrax set, a Thomas the train book, puzzles, clothes and more. Everytime he opened a gift, he said "more!" (He catches on quick)...anyway, this is a little late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE! Here are a few pics from the special day

Sledding!

We Have Snow!!

Yeah!! We were so excited to finally get some real snow here! The last couple years have only brought dustings and lots of sleet/ice. School was cancelled on Monday so we got to have lots of fun playing in it. They love to play on the playset when it is covered in snow and, of course, their favorite thing is to go sledding. I think we got about 8 inches, but sadly, it is supposed to warm up this week so it will be turning to slush pretty soon. Charlie thinks it is so fun...I have to drag him inside or else he'd freeze! Doodle loves running around in it and trying to eat it...don't ya love Doodle's frozen beard?!

Pajama Day at School

How cool to be able to wake up and go to school in your pj's! That's what CJ and Amelia did the other day. I snapped a few pictures for fun since I was at school that day.

Pinewood Derby

This was CJ's 5th year in the Pinewood Derby. It's always a fun day. This year, CJ's car (Viper) tied for first place with his good friend's car! Can you believe they tied, down to the thousandth of a second, over the course of 6 races? Wow! What are the odds of that? Anyway, it was a fun day and even Charlie got into racing the cars! While Amelia actually made a car, she was unable to attend due to a conflicting event. So, Charlie was more than happy to race "Bling," Amelia's purple, sequined, sparkly car. Her car actually came in third in the sibling race. One more year of Pinewood after this (and then a couple years respite before Charlie is in boy scouts)!

Valentine's Cookies

We made some fun cookies this year for Valentine's Day! Lips! The kids had fun decorating them (and eating them).

One month ago

It was one month ago yesterday that my mom passed away. One month ago that I sat at her side and whispered to her to let go and leave our world to go on to the next...that I was ok and dad was ok and to watch out for us from the best seat in the house! Each and every day I play over and over my last few weeks with her and especially the last few days. While I wouldn't trade those days for anything, I do think about how really difficult it was to watch her deteriorate and pass away. I think about all the things I should have talked to her about if I'd known that she would go downhill so quickly and that I wouldn't be able to talk to her again. I'd want to tell her what an amazing mom she was and how much she sacrificed for all of us. I know this is all a part of the grieving process and that slowly these intense feelings will fade and I'll be able to focus more on the good times and not the last days and the "I wish I would haves," but for now that is what I am doing. In many ways I don't want time to go on because my memory of her is still so clear and I don't want to lose it. A church friend asked me how I was doing, and as I do with everyone that asks, I say I'm doing "ok." I am just "ok"...some days (hours) are great and some are filled with unexplained tears. Then he said...what I really want to know is, is this week better than last? And, yes, looking at it that way, I have to say it is. Marginally better, but better nonetheless. I am busy with kids, school, home, etc, but my thoughts are always with me...I think that forever they will be. I know God had a reason for taking her on January 10th, I don't know why because I'd rather her be here with me to watch her grandkids grow up, but I know He had a reason.