Answered Prayers

We are so thankful that an answer to all our prayers has come!! Colin was offered an ER residency at the hospital he currently works at. A year ago I had the impression that an opportunity would be presented to us. Over the past few weeks I have been reminded of that and have thought that this would be a good time for it to be revealed. Always, when you least expect it the Lord gives you your opportunity and now we have ours. Of course there were times when we thought it might not happen and wondered what we would do. We are just so grateful!!

What? They didn't want us!

I am sorry to say that the Michigan program did not offer us the radiology spot we so desperatly wanted! AAHHhhhhhh, what does the Lord want us to be doing? The age old question. He must have something sneaky in store for us, I just have to keep telling myself that. Thank you all for your prayers and support and please, keep them coming. Colin is looking into a few programs here but not in radiology. We just want to go and do what is right for our family. I can now stop wondering if I should get packing or not.

I only talked to Colin for a moment about it on the phone after he found out so I am sure he is not feeling well mentally about it. I am not sure how I am either but we prayed and prayed that we would be able to accept the will of the Lord now we will be put to the test. I still know that I have so much to be thankful for and He will make it work. Allright, enough said.

Father's Day Weekend

A bit of the activities we did over the weekend with and without Daddy. I guess I am really the lucky one who gets to participate in all the events while Colin has to work or while the kids are at the babysitters. I do feel very blessed to be a wife and mom of such a great man and such wonderful kids.

Fun in the hot summer sun!

We have really been enjoying the hot weather lately. We went to the pool today for a few hours. I was exhausted and I think the kids are too. One day I was particularly tired and while the kids watched a movie I went upstairs to take a short nap. Mia wakes me when it's over and I only do it if I am desperatly tired. I seem to be tired more so as of late. I slept just about 45 minutes when Colin called and I headed down stairs and this is what I saw. Mia said that Jack kept falling asleep and she kept trying to keep him awake, I can see that now. At some point he fell over and landed in her lap. It was very sweet!

Hand, foot, and what disease?

Poor Jack. He just can't catch a break it seems. With all of his falling and cutting molars he had to get hand, foot and mouth disease. It all began with a fever Thursday night straight through until sometime Saturday in the nighttime. He was sleeping well enough, maybe waking once. He didn't sleep well Saturday night and woke up at 5am Sunday morning. Colin got up with him thankfully. We figured he had an ear infection so Colin looked in his ears and then in his mouth. That is when we spotted the blister like bumps in his mouth and later his feet. He has big blisters on his feet. Of course, since it is viral, we just have to let it run its course. Mia has never had it but I wouldn't be surprised if she caught it. We think he got it from a play area at a mall. I was there with a friend and her kids and one of them caught it too. Last night Jack woke a few times and then Colin gave him a blessing and he slept the rest of the night. I gave him a popscicle this morning because I have been worried about his fluid intake. He said that it hurt but he managed to eat it anyway. He's had a few today but drank quite a bit of water when we were outside with the hose on. My poor boy!! I must have worn Mia and Jack out today. It is only a little after 6 and they are both asleep on the couch. I love the warm weather!!

If you are up for a good cry...

You have to watch the movie, P.S. I Love You. Colin was working tonight so I watched it and cried without shame! Of course, my life is a bit stressful as of late but sometimes crying is what I need to get rid of it. I actually really liked the movie and the message I got out if it is not to take what you have for granted, live your life and be as happy as you can without "waiting" for the next and better phase. Also, let the little things go between you and your spouse because really, they aren't important but loving each other and showing each other that love is what is important. So, get that pint of Ben and Jerry's and sit and have a great cry! I didn't have the Ben and Jerry's though.

Mother of the Year follow-up.

Mia and I were talking on the way to school today about how she only has 5 days left but on the last day she will be having a class beach party. She asked me if I was going to come. I said both Jack and I were going to come. She said, "I think you will forget again." I promised her I wouldn't forget and that we would be there. She then suggested that I talk to her teacher and get a note from her to put in my purse so I won't forget. She's a funny one and I think I am almost over the guilty feelings. I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one who has done such a thing. I am sure it won't be the last.

Jack,...

If you run over to the swingset we will have to go into the house. Jack, if you go over there we will have to go in the house. Jack, if you go behind the garage we will have to go in the house!! My little Jack, who isn't little anymore loves, more than me almost, to be outside even if it is 50 degrees out and raining. I think he prefers it if it is raining. One day I helped him discover puddles. He is obsessed now. Anyways, he is also obsessed with Nacho Libre and asks to watch it on a daily basis. He is two and terrible at least 1/2 the day, off and on here and there, if he doesn't get his own way. He doesn't stay in time out. I even tried a gate and tonight he climed over it, it fell and he got hurt. He was throwing food. Before that he was taking drinks of milk from his sippy and then letting it run out of his mouth, down his shirt and into his booster seat. Unfortunatly the little girl I take care of was amused and started doing it too. Thankfully she had a bib on. I was very unamused!! I think between Colin and me we have told Jack to NOT DRINK THE TUB WATER at least 50 times per bath or he would have to get out. This morning was no exception and I got him out. He threw a 15 minute fit about it. After about 5 minutes I just put him in his bed, left the light on and walked out. I had to difuse just as much as he did. Later this morning I showered and he came up and starting throwing a fit about wanting a shower. I had to put him in his crib again. I am so glad he can't crawl out and doesn't even attempt too! I am so grateful he took a nap and I got to take a nap too. We were both happier after that. The great thing about being consistent is that it works occastionally. When we were outside this afternoon there were two opportunities for Jack to listen or go in the house and he chose to listen. I gushed over him for his willingness to listen and be such a good boy. I feel like I have put so much energy into him lately. I have to get him sorted out before baby Cole gets here. Thankfully I have about 12 weeks to do that. Oh, Jackson, Mommy loves you!!

And Mother of the Year Goes To...

...someone other than me!! I completely blew it today. Mia has this great music teacher at school who teaches her great songs and fun things to go with it. You may remember my post from October or November of her in music class skipping around and singing, having a great time. She had music observation again today and couldn't have been more excited about it. Colin was able to have the day off and that made it even more special for her. She was even excited that we were bringing the napkins and plates. I arranged for a friend to watch Jack, we dropped him off a little late but Colin still got us there at 2:30. Mia was sitting on the floor in a line with her class in the foyer of the school. I was so relieved that we weren't late. She said, "We already did it." I said, "isn't it now?" to her teacher and she shook her head NO. I said I thought it was at 2:30 and another mom looked at me sympathetically and told me it was at 2:00. WE HAD COMPLETELY MISSED THE PERFORMANCE!!! I couldn't believe it. My heart sank to my feet and tears came to my eyes remembering how much Mia talked about it and her excitement that both Colin and I would be there. I looked at her and she was hiding under the table she was sitting by. I went over and looked down at her and she was crying! I feel so bad that I am crying about still. It was so important to her and I blew it. I know, it happens and my brain is completely gone these days but I even wrote it on the calendar as 2:00. I picked her up, hugged her and walked over to a bench where not everyone could see us crying together. I just sobbed with her in my arms. She pulled back after a few minutes and went to Colin. I couldn't stop crying so I walked into the bathroom to finish sobbing. When I came out of the bathroom another mom told me she would burn a copy of it for me. It still makes me sad just to think about it. I have told her so many times how sorry I am. I was watching Mia during the class party that followed and she was just running around, eating, wanting me to read to her. I know she is still sad about us not being there, she told me tonight when I put her to bed, but she was so forgiving and sweet to me. I love that girl, my girl, for her great example of Christlike love and forgiveness. I hope to be more like her in this way.
Mia, I am so sorry!

Mother, I love you!

Mother, I love you! Mother, I do! Father in Heaven has sent me to YOU! When I am near you (or living far away) I love to hear you whisper so softly that you love me too! Mother, I love you, I love you, I DO!

Dear Mom, I can't seem to get ahold of you to talk to you this Mother's Day and since I kept putting it off I didn't get anything in the mail either. Are you surprised? I didn't think so. Luckly I still am your kid regardless.

I have been thinking all day about you and all the wonderful things you have taught me and done for me. For example, you taught me to sew, a skill that has been handy all my life. I can remember times when you were helping/teaching me and I would get so frustrated, tell you I needed help even though I wasn't trying very hard to understand and so you would just do it for me. Mia does that now. I am not as nice as you are though. I make her do it still.

One specific time I said something to you when I didn't think you could hear and come to find out you were standing right behind me. I still feel bad about that. I don't think I got punished. The other day Mia was mad at me and she quietly said "stupid Mommy." She got her mouth washed out with dish soap.

You can cook anything wonderful out of just about nothing at all. I wish I would have paid attention more often. I can remember slipping the skin off tomatoes, 10 gallon buckets full of tomatoes and canning them with you. I don't really remember how to can tomatoes though. I never throw away canning lids or give away jars because someday I will be reminded of how to can tomatoes.

I know it is important to support my church leaders because you always taught me that. I can remember alway questioning you about putting the flat sheet on right side down, it drove me crazy but that is how I always make my bed. I never fold the blankets back however so you can see the right side of the sheet.

I could sit here all night and think of all the things I remember but mostly I know that you are a great mother! You love me unconditionally and are always there for me when I just need you to listen. Your testimony has always been strong, even in times of trial. I love you for all that you are and all that you have given to me. Your the greatest Mom I ever had. I LOVE YOU!